Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Thursday, 11 December 2025

Still sitting on the sidelines

"For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another". Psalm 75:6-7 NKJV

Some people have to wait years before things in their lives change for the better. Take for example promotions at work. You may be adequately qualified for this promotion but, up to this moment, it has not happened. Why? Well the answer may be here in this verse.

Take a look at v7 'He puts down one, And exalts another.' God is the means behind our success. We may be able to manipulate promotions but, if God is not in it, then it may go pear-shaped and fail. As I've mentioned above, some people may have waited a long time for this to happen, but up to now, nothing has. You may be one of these waiting people. The word for you is, 'It will happen when it happens.' This may sound harsh but, have you ever considered that God may not want you to be promoted; He may have something better for you, but you can't see this because you have been fixated on this one thing.

You may have seen other people being raised up into a better job with good prospects and, this has been hard to accept. I wonder how the disciples had felt when all of a sudden, this guy who was a Pharisee, and had been treating Christians awfully because of their faith, had been suddenly changed in a dramatic way on the Damascus Road and raised up into the hierarchy of their team. Think about it, this would have cut deeply into their souls. It would be like taking a notorious spy from the enemy side and putting him or her into your side - your team. This would have felt very difficult to accept.

We can be left sitting on the sidelines for a great time wondering if we're ever going to be called onto the field to take someone else's place in the game. Sometimes, it doesn't happen.

God is the one that has the power to change things for you but, you must accept that He may not do this. He may have something better for you; He may want you to change your job or, He may just want you to remain doing what you're doing. If the latter is the case, there is only one thing that can work well and, this is to just accept what you're doing.

But are you willing to do this? Have you ever considered that God may have a special assignment for you at your workplace? You may be the only Christian there and God is waiting for someone to start there who has suffered a lot of hurt and disappointment in their life. And He may just have chosen you to do the job of speaking to him and introducing him to Jesus. Food for thought?

Think about it. We never know what God is going to do next. At this time, you are in His will and if you become promoted, you may not have the chance to see this person. It's just a thought of course, but worth considering.

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
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Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.

Wednesday, 10 December 2025

It takes two to tango

“Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 NKJV

Today, we see Jesus in a Catch 22 situation. The Pharisees had brought to Him a woman who had been caught in the very act of adultery. They reminded Him of what Moses had said in the law, that anyone caught in adultery should be stoned to death. They wanted to catch Him out. If He agreed that she should be executed, He would set Himself up to override Roman authority because no one could execute someone themselves without the agreement of the hierarchy. If He said that they should let here go, once again He would be betraying the law of Moses. It really was a Catch 22 situation.

The Pharisees were not interested in the woman. They didn't know her predicament, she may have been desperate for money and this was the only way she could eat. This obviously didn't make it right because she was breaking the law. One thing comes to mind, 'Where was the man who had been caught with her?' It takes two to tango but, for some reason he was nowhere to be found. Also, they had told Jesus that she was caught in the 'very act'. If they knew this, it proves that they must have been there in the house. Why? Why were they in there; had they broken in which would have been against the law? There were lots of things not right about their accusations. It goes to show that the Pharisees were hard people; full accusatory statements and judgemental with it. There are still people around in our society who could fit into this role. Be careful and wise.

The absence of the man caught in the same situation also flags up that the Pharisees were full of hypocrisy. Surely, they would know what was written about adultery in the law. Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22 are very clear about the punishment of both man and woman. But they ignored this fact. There was certainly some prejudice about at this time.

Jesus' reaction hit them right in the stomach, 'He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first'. v7. What an answer; it cleared the place. Who among them was qualified to judge her? Matthew 7:1-2. It's the same today. Whenever we judge someone, the same judgement comes back upon us. so be very careful what you say about people.

In conclusion, Jesus' comments to the woman caught in adultery show His heart to us all. He didn't condone her act, let's be sure of that. However, He told her not to be involved in sinful situations again. Let us realise that the devil is around us and, he will attempt to expose anything about us that isn't clean.

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

Tuesday, 9 December 2025

The Power in Fellowship

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance".

Acts 2:1-4 NKJV

When the Day of Pentecost came, 50 days after Passover, the disciples were together in a house. The word 'together' means in the Greek Koinonia, a word meaning of one accord and of one heart. This type of fellowship cements the believers to each other and to the Lord Jesus. They truly become one. When Koinonia is present, the Holy Spirit is in attendance in power.

And this was happening here. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like a mighty wind of hurricane form and it filled the house where they all sat. Tongues as of fire fell on each of them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak in other tongues. At the time of Pentecost, which was a Jewish holiday, Jerusalem was full of people visiting for the time of the wheat harvest and also commemorating the giving of the law on Mount Sinai. In the Old Testament is was known as the Festival of Weeks. Therefore, when they heard the sounds from the house, they were all confused because they were all from different nations and yet, they recognised their own language being spoken.

Many call this the Baptism of the Spirit but the evidence of tongues would be recognised as a gift at a later stage. Jesus had told them earlier on (Acts 1:5) that they would be baptised in the Holy Spirit and part of this was now taking place. However, it would take explanation from Peter to the crowd of what they were witnessing. This preaching session brought in an excess of 3000 souls with many more from thereon.

The main thing I want to direct you to is the Koinonia fellowship. When people meet together, of one accord, with no issues between any of them, the Holy Spirit can work amazingly in people's lives. When we are cemented to each other and to the Lord Jesus, it is a recipe for amazing power, in fact outrageous power and people are saved by the impact of it all. They can't resist.

But it will only happen when we get it right. The disciples had it right and look what happened. It can and will happen to us as well as we give all of ourself to each other and to Jesus.

Get your bibles out, pray, study and learn and pretty soon people will begin to notice and SUDDENLY you will have people all around you. Try it and see.

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

Monday, 8 December 2025

Nothing you do for Jesus is ever wasted

"And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticised her sharply".

Mark 14:3-5. NKJV

Jesus was the honoured guest at Simon the leper's house, possibly in gratitude for being healed from this terrible disease. As Jesus sat there, a young woman came to Him with a jar of very expensive oil and poured it over His head. Now, this oil was worth the equivalent of a year's pay and this provoked some anger from some present. In defence of the girl, whose name was Mary, and was probably Mary of Bethany, Lazarus and Martha's sister, Jesus told the people that they would always have the poor with them, and they could help them with their own means if they felt so strongly. However, Mary had recognised that Jesus would not be around much longer and this perfume was to anoint Him for His burial.

Let's get things straight here, this perfume was owned by Mary, it belonged to her. Therefore, she could choose to do with it what she wanted. It was nothing to do with anyone else. This reminded me of a recent occurrence a week or so back. I was out walking in some public gardens with my wife, when we came across a chap who was selling magazines. He shouted to us that he was freezing and could we give him some money for a cup of coffee, in order to warm himself up. My wife complied with this and he went away happy. Now some people would say that we should never give a street person any money - 'they will only waste it on drugs or booze. You should take them to get what they need.' That may be so, but they may also be genuine, like Jesus was with Mary, He was gracious and showed her trust. It was my wive's money and she can do what she wants with it. This act, may just be remembered and may bring him into the kingdom, we never know.

Like the religious people of the day who witnessed Mary's act, they were ruled by the cost and not by what she was doing for Jesus. We should all do the same for the people in need on our streets. They are cold, hungry and have no self respect. Just an act of kindness can bring them proof that some people care for them. We don't know what brought them to be homeless or in great need and we should always be wise not to go too far. But, a few coins can give them hope.

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

Sunday, 7 December 2025

Ask for what you need, not for what you want!

"So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Mark 10: 51. NKJV

What an amazing statement Jesus makes here 'What do you want Me to do for you?' Jesus has probably said this to you many times but you have not recognised it. It is a privilege that the King of kings should say this to us. Who are you to receive such honour? The answer to this is, you are a Child of the Living God.

Bartimaeus, a blind man, had heard that Jesus was passing by Jericho on His trip to Jerusalem, which would be His last one prior to His death. Nothing was going to stop

him attending this; he probably would not have the opportunity again. The crowds were enormous but he shoved himself forward until he was on the side of the road. When Jesus went by, he started shouting, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.' He used the messianic title of David which to him, was appropriate. He shouted so loud that the crowd around told him to be quiet but, he was having none of that. It worked, he got Jesus' attention and was called over to Him. Jesus said to him, '“What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus was astounded at his faith and healed him immediately and then went on His way.

Bartimaeus had been physically blind but. he could see better spiritually than most of the religious leaders could.. He was determined that he would ask for what he needed, not what he wanted, although the two went hand in hand. Jesus blessed him because of who he was.

We should always ask Jesus for what we need. It is tempting sometimes to ask for everything - to win the Lottery, a country house with a nice bank balance and a fancy car but, although Jesus may give you these, He is more likely to to look at your heart - what you need and answer this prayer. Remember at the gate Beautiful in Acts 3, Peter and John on their way to morning prayer, met a disabled man who had been born this way. He was begging for alms. Peter though told him that they had no such money but gave Him what they had - healing prayer, and the man would never be the same again. He went leaping and praising God and eventually followed Jesus. Peter knew he was asking for what he wanted but gave him what he needed. Do you see the difference.

There is so much that we would like in our lives today, but what we would like and what we need are two different things. Let's not forget, once you receive what you need, what you would like may follow on later. So therefore, when you hear Jesus ask you what you would like Him to do, don't go running to Him shouting, 'I want, I want.' Think what you really need and tell Him so. Prayers are answered this way.

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

Saturday, 6 December 2025

'Receive the Holy Spirit'

"And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit". John 20:22. NKJV

There has been some speculation about this verse. Was Jesus breathing the fullness of the Holy Spirit on the disciples? If so, what is Acts 1&2 and the Pentecost about, when the Holy Spirit turned up with tongues of fire?

There have been a few suggestions about this by theologians. One was that Jesus was preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Another was that Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit there and then. However, if this was the case, why didn't the disciples act with power just after Jesus was raised to life? I think the most popular theory was that Jesus gave them a limited amount of the Spirit prior to His departure; just enough to keep them believing and stirring within. It is similar to new believers today. They come to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit enters them and yet, the fullness of the Spirit doesn't come until a little later on - the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is the fire. Jesus actually mentioned this in Acts 1:5 'for John truly baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” '

Not everyone believes in the Baptism of the Spirit and speaking in tongues, and that is ok. Perhaps this was why Jesus breathed the spirit upon the disciples earlier. It is a thought. However, even though some may disagree with the baptism of the spirit, something happens to the new believer a short while after being born again. One doesn't have to pray in tongues to qualify for this. It is a gift of this action. But many Christians don't accept this, and yet go on to become great men and women of God. Don't get hooked up with tradition, go with what your heart is telling you.

Having said all this, each individual has the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. If they didn't have, there would be no great miracles and anointing that come on each of us. You may not have had the experience with this 'Fire'; but if you are a Christian you have still been ignited by the spirit. Don't get bogged down with church stuff, stick with God's Word.

Do you hear God? Do you feel Him in your spirit? Do you feel comfort from Him at times?Be rest assured, the power of God is within you and you are destined for great things that Jesus has planned for you.

Enjoy the simple things of life - reading your bible, praying, enjoying Jesus' company and much more. This is all you need to change the world in your area.

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

Friday, 5 December 2025

Shifting Foundations

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

Matthew 7:24-27 NKJV

Tony Evans, ex-pastor of a large church in the USA, makes an interesting statement about the above text:

'I once had a crack on a wall of my house. No matter how many times I had it fixed, the crack came back. Finally, I learned the problem was a shifting foundation.'

No matter how many times Pastor Tony had tried to fix the problem, it was not external but an internal one. Many of us have cracks in our lives - emotional, relational and financial but we address the symptoms , not the source of the problem. Some people have good days and then bad ones. This is pretty normal. However some Christians are flying high one moment, full of the Spirit of God. Then when we see them next, they are at rock bottom and have run out of spiritual steam. Why is this? You're standing on the wrong rock. You need the Top Rock not the bottom one.

The problem relates to shifting foundations; and it is an internal one - something within that person that needs fixing. Now this could be the sin of unforgiveness. When we walk around with the sin of unforgiveness in our heart, it brings us misery and weighs heavy within us so much that it can open the door to depression and physical illness.

We may have resentment in our hearts to someone and every time we see them or think about them, it plays a video in our mind of what they have done to hurt or offend us. The longer we judge them, the lower we fall. It is a shifting foundational problem. Whatever they have done, we need to forgive them (Matt 7:1-2). If we don't, we become like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. Initially, the house looked fine and he was pleased and joyful. But then, the storms came and the heavy rainfall and high winds devastated his house and his joy faded.

There is a need to avoid building on a shifting foundation and instead, build on the Rock - the most solid of foundations. This is Jesus. He never changes (Hebrews 13:8). There are no shifting foundations when we are rooted and grounded in Him. Look above again, the sensible man built his house on the rock and whatever weather came his way, the building remained sound. The foundations never moved one bit. This is Jesus through and through. If you want to be successful, get Jesus, take your leading from Him and build your whole life upon Him.

When you do this, notice that the same type of weather or problems, will come along but your foundation will remain stable. You may become battered and worn out, and think that things will not change for the better. However, keep standing with your focus on Jesus. You may have a few spiritual bruises but you will have the victory, that is for sure.

Get your foundations right.

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

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

Thursday, 11 December 2025

Still sitting on the sidelines

Wednesday, 10 December 2025

It takes two to tango

Tuesday, 9 December 2025

The Power in Fellowship

Monday, 8 December 2025

Nothing you do for Jesus is ever wasted

Sunday, 7 December 2025

Ask for what you need, not for what you want!

Saturday, 6 December 2025

'Receive the Holy Spirit'

Friday, 5 December 2025

Shifting Foundations

Are you wet or are you dry?

Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard

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