The Impossible to the Possible

"And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”          Matthew 19:24    NKJV

Jesus had been discussing the rich man who He had just been in conversation with. The rich man, like many people with great riches, thought he may be able to buy himself a place in heaven and eternal life. However, he went away sad when Jesus had said if you want to be perfect, sell all you have, give the money to the poor and come and follow Him. Prior to this, Jesus had told him to keep the commandments, which He said he had but he wanted to know what he lacked. Notice here, Jesus didn't tell him to give his riches away to gain a place in heaven. Many rich people today, enjoy the Christian life and manage their money excellently. But this rich man was used to power and the thought of having to lose all of his riches was not good to his ears.

It was hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Why? The rich often trust in and are attached to their wealth. This makes it difficult for them to consider the world to come. Their focus is fixed on the 'Now'. Riches become an idol when this happens and it's hard to have them without trusting in them. We can see a little of this when some people have an amount of cash in their pocket and see something that they would like. Very often, some find that if they buy that, they will be that much shorter in their wad of money and struggle with this.

Jesus discussed this with His disciples and used a term that they must have felt was ludicrous when He told them that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. But Jesus was using a metaphor for impossibility here - the existence of a small gate in ancient Jerusalem called 'the eye of the needle.' This required a camel to stoop very low at the small gate and squeeze themselves through the small gate. They would then unload their supplies. 

When we honour God with our money - tithing and giving a financial gift, God sees our act and will replace what we have given. Perhaps not straightaway and it may be more than we gave away. But what we demonstrate to God, is that we are not governed by our money and are not afraid to give some of it to a worthy cause. This may be someone you know who is genuinely struggling with money problems. A gift to them can so easily lift their spirit and you don't have to tell them about the gift either. You can just put it through their letter box. It blesses them, blesses God and believe me, will bless you immensely. 

Nothing is too difficult for God (19:26). Once we grasp a hold of the fact that God supplies us with money and we have a roof over our head. We know for a fact that He is blessed when we bless others with our wealth when and if needed.

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. 

THe Love of God

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever". 

                                                                      Psalm 136:1    NKJV

To understand God's love, we need to look at the Hebrew translation which is a word that is known as Hesed: This is a love that only God can give us. Hesed, is a profound love that only God offers - no one else. The word Hesed translates to loving kindness but encompasses a deeper concept of covenant love, steadfast love, mercy and grace. It describes benevolent actions, particularly God's loyal and enduring love for His people, which goes beyond mere duty and includes unwavering commitment even in the face of mistakes. Hesed also means faithful love. 

The Psalm, celebrates the faithful love of God towards His covenant people. It includes a beautiful line throughout the Psalm: 'For His mercy endures forever,' It captures the thought of the priest singing each verse, with the entire congregation responding this refrain. A wonderful thought!

We are called to offer our praise and thanksgiving to the only One who can offer us this love - Jesus. Just think of all the wonderful things He has done for you. In verse 23-25, we are reminded of this with the words: 

'Who remembered us in our lowly state, For His mercy endures forever; 24And rescued us from our enemies, For His mercy endures forever; 25Who gives food to all flesh, For His mercy endures forever'.               Psalm 136:23-25

We should never take Him for granted. He deserves our constant praise and adoration. He is the one who has watched over each of our lives, night and day and has rescued His sheep from certain disaster. We can't divert from this statement and ask, 'Yes, but what about such and such? We don't know the answer to other people's fate. We only know ours and, Jesus has always been there for us. And will continue to do so until we join Him in Heaven on the day.

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. 

Hearing difficulties

"But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth.
14Thus I am like a man who does not hear, And in whose mouth is no response".

                                                                          Psalm 38:13   NKJV

Threats were being made to David here but, he was deaf to all of their comments. He wasn't going to be intimidated by all of this so, he ignored them all - he refused to take heed of these slurs against him and his army. Jesus said in Matthew 11:15 : ' He who 

has ears to hear, let him hear!' Jesus was saying that we should take heed of what is being said or happening around us. David was doing just that but, chose not to be intimidated by these people.

Some people have a physical hearing loss and others may have selective hearing. The former one's, struggle to keep up with a conversation and genuinely find it difficult to understand what is being said. For this person, to speak to them from another room, is a no go situation. Speaking through walls just doesn't work. The latter description - selective hearing, is usually the one's who can hear properly but choose to ignore what is said for one reason or another. David could have fitted into this category. For him though, it was about keeping his faith. Many times, people can bring bad news and it can put a dampener on our own faith.

We should never miss the significance of what we are hearing. Sadly, some people hear things but it just goes over their head and they miss out on important issues. These people may have an attention deficit disorder and their mind is racing on ahead of 

anyone else and they miss the point. In college or Uni, these people find it difficult to keep up with the cirriculum and have to spend out of hours study to gain their qualification.

You may have a hearing loss and it may be profound, which means a daily struggle. You may have hearing aids but many times, they are unable to cope with many of today's busy lives. For instance, a person who suffers this way, may be in a meeting - secular or church - and the noise around them is amplified so much that it can be one big noise. They have a difficulty hearing the speaker despite a loop being installed in the place. All of this can lead a person to frustration and irritability. This may come from the one who is deaf and the other from the one who is trying to speak with them.

You may be struggling in this area. Some times it helps to remain calm and patiently explain this to people. After all, it is a disability and we should all be respectful of any disability. On the other hand you may live with or have daily contact with a deaf person. You will quickly pick up the signs they show if there are no visible hearing aids. Bear in mind that some users are sensitive about this condition. Therefore, try to make it easier for them by showing a little empathy.

You may raise a question here - What is this to do with a bible study/commentary? It has everything, especially to the person who is suffering. It also means a lot to Jesus, who despite choosing not to heal them for whatever reason, still loves and cares for them.

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. 

Jesus was not always popular, neither will you be

"From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.  67Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
68But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  69Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”                      John 6:66-69    NKJV

Jesus had just finished some rather thought-provoking teaching regarding the future - the crucifixion, the communion, his body as bread and His blood as wine and many of His followers just couldn't understand this, so they left Him. You will find this as you go through your Christian walk, some people only want you to say what they want to hear. If it is any different a quarrel may start and before you know it, the word on the street regarding little old you, is not good, and many will give you a wide berth if they see you in the street.

This was happening to Jesus and so He asked His close followers if they wanted to leave Him as well. Peter, ever the main spokesperson, asked Him where else they could  go - 'You have the words of eternal life.  69Also we have come to believe and know that 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God' v68. They recognised what Jesus had to offer and knew in their hearts that Jesus was the Messiah, there was no one else.

Let me say something important here, wherever you go or whomever you speak with, not everyone will agree with you. The drums of gossip about you may have reached them and they have believed it. That's the bad thing about gossip, it is nearly always seen as the truth. We must learn to discern the difference and if you feel it is gossip, challenge it there and then. You won't be popular that's for sure but, it may stop it for a while.

Wherever Jesus went, many thought that He was not of God. One statement I read recently said: 

'The statement "Jesus - He has a demon" 

reflects accusations made against Jesus by some people in the New Testament. During his ministry, he was accused of being demon-possessed and insane, with specific instances occurring in the Gospels of John and Matthew, as well as in other passages such as Mark 3 and Luke 11. These accusations stemmed from reactions to his words and actions, which some found blasphemous or difficult to comprehend.'    Anon.

If they said this about Jesus, they most definitely will say it about you if you make any particular stand for Him. In some churches you come across you may find that their level of doctrine is not in line with what you believe. Not every church is deeply involved with the Holy Spirit and may frown on some things you may say. Some don't believe in being 'Born again'. One chap I spoke to told me that he had been in a particular church for 40 years and felt that this qualified him for heaven. So, as you can see, there will be challenges.

So if at times you don't feel popular, remember Jesus  didn't ether.

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. 

The God of Second Chances

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!"             Lamentations 3:22-23.  NKJV

We have occasions when we feel that we have blown it so much that God will never forgive us now. I am sure you have had this feeling a few times. When we feel like we have let God down by our negative actions, it's easy to think such things. The problem is, this is the time that the devil loves. Why? Because he can use this negativity to make us believe that it's too late to ask for forgiveness now, 'God will not forgive you. You've blown it.' I've got news for you, you haven't. 

If you read 1 John 1:9, you will read: 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' We can't get it any clearer than that but, the devil will try and tell you that it doesn't mean that, and if you continue to listen to his lies, he will get you so confused that you don't know what the truth is. 

Jesus is the Truth, don't ever forget it. When you do wrong, repent and move on - in victory. God is the God of second chances, and third and fourth and so on. You are like a priceless jewel, so precious and pure that no one can put a price on it. You are this jewel and God adores you. When you fall into sin and repent, He sees no stain upon you. Therefore, you need to remember each day, His mercies are not consumed, His compassions never fail. Each and every morning, you can awake knowing that He is faithful and has been watching over you all the night.

We have all felt the pain and hopelessness when we have asked someone to give us another chance and they have refused. The despair and anxiety that this had caused may have followed you all your life. But that was then, you have a new life now - a second chance, and your friend Jesus has put His arms around you and whispered to you, 'You are not guilty. I have forgiven you.' 

Don't allow torment and pain to take a stranglehold on you ever again. Stand before your King Jesus and let His smile make you feel so warm and loved and, never again allow lies to crush you.

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. 

Don't waste the gift and talent God has given you

"Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?22For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."                       Mark 4:21-23    NKJV

Obviously, this piece of scripture is being taught by Jesus to remind His people not to hide their spiritual gift away. The person who has a special gift needs to be using it for the good of the body. It is seed and seed is meant to grow.. Therefore, when a person uses their God-given gift, they are sowing seed to build people up, and also to reach out to the lost.

However, not everyone is given the gifts of being a pastor, teacher or evangelist but, they do possess other gifts that they may have hidden away because they feel they are inappropriate to God. A question - who says they are inappropriate? Has God said this? 

I doubt if He has. If He has given  a person a gift that can bring joy and happiness to people and also share Jesus with them, shouldn't they be using it instead, of hiding it away under the bed?

What about music for a starters? Is it wrong for a Christian man or woman who have a great talent for music to use this for God? I'm not just saying in the worship band at church but, out in the world. Many well known music artists are Christians and although they may play secular music at their gigs, they may also fit in a Christian one which may open the heart of the listeners and even though there will not be an altar call at the end of the evening, the person/s who have been touched by God can take this away with them and they may be changed.

Then there is the art world. Art can be spiritual too, God has inspired many good pieces of work from Christian artists and people who view this work, or even buy it, may be inspired by what spiritual love it has taken to create it. In our world today, there are many Christian people who may not follow the traditional Christian life by attending church, home groups etc. And yet, their faith and their love is amazingly deep and they use this in their work for God. They read their bible, pray and enjoy close worship with Jesus, the difference is, they don't have fellowship with others very often. Is this wrong; you decide? 

The thing is, we're all different and they may do things differently but, they are still serving God; they haven't hidden their talent away but, are using it to the full.

Does this mean that everyone should stop going to church and follow their own heart and gifting? Absolutely not. The majority of Christians will and should follow the traditional route of attending church. However, if a person is called to use their gifting and talent elsewhere, that should be ok for them too. 

A final word, have you a gift or talent that you have been hiding? What you do with this is obviously your choice but, ask yourself what is God's choice for you - to hide it away or find an opening to bring this out? 

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. 

Depression

"But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”               1 Kings 19:4.  NKJV

Elijah had just won a great victory but he had annoyed Jezebel, the evil Queen. Her God, Baal, had been badly humiliated and her prophets killed. She was out for revenge. Elijah reacted in a most strange way, this great man of God, despite his wonderful victory, took to his heels and fled into the wilderness in fear and praying that he may die. This can happen to Christians when they have had wonderful blessings and are full of praise for God. Even the strongest of us can be struck down with fear, anxiety and depression.

There are times when we have been so overly busy for the Lord that, we have worn ourselves out, something that is not part of God. He wants us to pace ourselves properly and when we found ourselves in a position such as this, we need sleep and rest and a good meal to revive us. This is why God sent and angel to Elijah v5ff. When he was feeling more refreshed, he set out on a long journey. He walked 40 days and nights to Horeb, the mountain of the Lord, where he entered a cave and in a short time, met with the Lord. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” v 9 & 14. In other words, he was in the wrong place. At the second statement, Elijah, realised this and sets off back to where he should be, serving God.

Overwork, tiredness and trying to be everything for everybody leads to despair and this can lead to us being found in a heap, unable to cope with much at all. Recognise the signs. God did not call you to do everything, you need to balance your workload out so that it is more suitable to your energy levels. This is why Jesus called His disciples over to take a break:

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

If life is weighing you down and the burden you are carrying has become too heavy then, give it to Jesus. This is what He is saying to you right now! Many Christian people are in a place of depression at this moment. We can't just say that this is an attack from the devil. He may be involved somewhere down the line but, you are the one that may have placed yourself in this position. Why? Because you didn't heed to the Word of God.

Therefore, with God's help. work towards freedom from all of this; allow the chains to fall off and don't be frightened to close your eyes and have a rest when you can. You will feel better for it that's for sure and, so will others who share a part of your life.

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.