The Eye of the Storm

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."                                               Psalm 91:1   NKJV

What is the secret place? To Christians, this can be where God is. Now this can be anywhere but it has to be somewhere. It can be anytime but, must be a set time. The eye of the storm is, unbelievably, the most peaceful place on earth. Think about it, this is why Jesus slept on a boat in the middle of the night. while the disciples freaked out (Mark 4:38). He was at peace, He knew the storm couldn't take them under. Some may say, 'Yes, but He was God wasn't He?' Yes, He was but, He was also a human being at that time and bled like we do. The Eye of the Storm is a region of blue skies surrounded by towers of raging wind. 

At the centre of the storm, is the eye,  it can be total calm and peace. It can be metaphorically described as a peaceful place during a major storm, in the physical sense, such as a terrible argument or squabbles in the area. So metaphorically speaking, like Jesus, we can be in the middle of a raging storm and be at total peace.

With this in mind, why do we all become involved in the problems of life? Haven't we enough to contend with without looking for more? Being a Christian can involve opposition from unbelievers. Just read through the New Testament to see what I mean. If they have a valid point, then yes, speak your mind and have nothing else to do with it. However, many times we should just remain in our secret place - The Eye of the Storm, and be at peace.

A lot of it has to be the way we handle contentious speech. We need to watch our reactions. About 30 years ago,  I read a book by a Canadian pastor, whose name I can't remember now. His main teaching was about reactions and he used the term 'No attack - No defence.' We should never have to attack people with our speech and we do not have to defend ourselves either. Jesus is the one who will do this for us, no one else.

Being in your secret place is the place to be, especially when all you hear is bad or fake news and rumours or war or massive tax rises. Can I encourage you to see it is no use getting upset about things if you can't do anything about it. If you can, then do it. If you can't then stay in your secret place. You will receive much more peace and blessing there. It may have a most unsavoury name, but The Eye of the Storm is where Jesus is and wants you to be as well.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.

The Eye of the Needle. Part 2 - Making Investments

"The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.
26Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” 27Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”                Matthew 19:25-27   NLT

Following on from Jesus teaching regarding a camel going through the eye of needle, here, we have Jesus explaining what He meant to the confused disciples, 'Then who in the world can be saved?' Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Then Peter, ever ready to speak his mind no matter what, said, 'We've given up everything to follow You. What will we get?' This was quite a blunt statement and one in which he could have received a rebuke from Jesus. However, Jesus answered him with great love and affection.

“I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.

This was quite a difficult answer for the disciples to make sense of. But in a nutshell, Jesus was saying, faithful Christian people who have given themselves to serving Jesus, will receive great benefits from their investment. Those who have giving up all, here on earth to serve Jesus, will receive in heaven, blessings and rewards for what they have given up. Some rich people may be the last to enter heaven where those who have had basically nothing, will be the first to receive. Jesus will faithfully reward people for what they have done in His name.

Those who are Christ's warfare will share in His triumph too; those who wear the cross will wear the crown. Whatever we give up to serve Jesus, He knows about and He will bless abundantly 100%. That is a great dividend. If our decision to serve Christ has meant giving up certain friendships, they can be certain of having a much wider circle of friends here and in heaven. 

The bottom line is, no matter what you have done for Jesus, He is grateful. He measures by heavenly standards not human ones. Remember the woman with the two mites? What the world may say is only small, is massive in Jesus' eyes. This is not a sales-based game, where whoever sells the most earns the most. Not at all. Our sales manager - Jesus, blesses people for their motives and effort.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.

The Eye of the Needle

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.24I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”  Matt19:23. NLT

The subject of riches has often been a topic of conversation. Many who are not rich, have been known to say if they were rich, they would give a lot of it to the poor and starving people in the world. However, would they? Once they got the taste of richness it is more likely that they would want to keep hold of it. Being rich is ok with Jesus; it is how we handle it that He looks at. (Mark 13:41- 44). If we become selfish and boastful about the riches we can receive this type of comment from Him.

Jesus' comments above, were the results of His conversation with the Rich man. This young man was enquiring  He had asked Jesus what good would he have to do to have eternal life. Jesus was quick to tell him that he couldn't buy eternal life. This is one of the things about very rich people. Some feel that everything has a price (16 - 17). Jesus told Him that if he wanted to receive eternal life, he should keep the commandments: 'You must not murder. `you must not commit adultery, You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honour your father and mother. Love your neighbour as yourself.' (18 - 19). The young man said he had done all of these. Jesus told him if he wanted to be perfect, then sell all you have, give the money to the poor and come and follow Me. With that, he sadly walked away. Notice that Jesus had said, 'If you want to be perfect.' The rich chap didn't have to do this in order to follow Jesus, several people were rich who walked with Him. He was checking where his heart lay.

Jesus mentioned a camel going through the eye of the needle. Now there are two interpretations of this: 

(1)  A camel was the largest animal which the Jews knew of. Now most walled cities had two gates. the main gate where traffic went through and next to it, there was a very low and narrow gate. When the main gate was locked at night, only the small gate could be used. It is said that this little gate was known 'The Needle's Eye'. So Jesus was saying that it was difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, as it was for a camel to enter through the little gate. The Needle's Eye. It would never make it.

(2)  This was the other explanation. The Greek word for camel is Kamelos. The Greek word for the cable used to tie up a ship on the dock is very similar to Kamilos. It happened that Jews used the one word and Jesus may have been referring to threading a darning needle with a ship's candle. A very vivid example indeed. 

So what's our conclusion 

(A)  Riches can encourage a false independence. If they have a good supply of the world's goods, they are apt to feel that they will cope very well.

(B)  Riches can shackle people to the earth. If people believe they have enough, this can blinker them into believing this is where their heart is. We need no one else.

(C)  Riches tend to make people selfish. However rich they may be, there is always the tendency  to want more and this can bring a fear that they are spending too much and will run out if they're not careful.

Be rich and be happy. However, know where your riches are from - God your Father. Ask Him how you should use the money He has given you to further the Kingdom of God. Give and be happy. Enjoy the life Jesus has provided for you.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.

See what He has left you - and there's more

"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."   John 14:27.  NLT

It must have been a difficult time for the disciples when Jesus left them. They had been with Him for three years. Their life had been changed by associating with Him and now they heard from Him that He would be leaving them soon. Put yourselves in their position and for a moment forget all you have learnt about Jesus returning and eternal life. Just be them for a moment. It must have been a major blow to them. He was their life, He had promised that He would be with them always. Now, He is leaving them.

Of course, we now know, more than they could have known at that particular time. Nevertheless, if they had known, it would still have been a shock. Anyone who has had a loved one leave them would understand the way it affects the heart, the sleepless nights, the fear and the lack of confidence. But we can never prevent the loss happening.

But look what Jesus told them He was leaving for them: peace of mind and Heart and the peace was not like the world has to offer either. ' Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 6-7. NKJV.

This blessing was also for you and me and let's face it, with what is happening all around us, we need peace. This gift of peace, used properly, is intended to guard your heart and mind and prevent you becoming anxious. We all have the stuff that messes up our life and rips our heart apart. We've all been there and maybe some are there right now. Jesus didn't leave us that day. There were preparations to take place until the right time for His return to take us to Himself -John 14:1-4. Until then, He reigns within us and we have instant access to Him whenever we wish. 

So you are not alone and, pretty soon, when Jesus comes to take us with Him, we will enjoy the Kingdom of God with Him for eternity. Therefore, remember this when troubles come by - and they will, remember that you have the gift of peace within you and, you have Jesus too. Do not fear or become anxious.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.

Don't ever doubt God!

13Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ 14Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about  this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 15Sarah was afraid, so she denied it, saying, “I didn’t laugh.” But the LORD said, “No, you did laugh.”   Genesis 18:13-14  NLT

Two things that stand out today are: 'Is anything be too hard for the Lord?' And Sarah claimed she didn't laugh and the Lord said 'No, you did laugh'.

Firstly let's look at at God's first statement. We are often caught in situations and feel that we can never get out of this, yet, as we pray, nine times out of ten God is there to deliver us. There may be occasions when it feels that He is not around but, He is and He is waiting for the right moment to help us. Nothing is too hard for Him. We only have to read Paul's words: 20'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.' This on its own gives an amazing description of whom we serve. Nothing can stop Him.

Secondly, we can never hoodwink Him. He sees and hears everything. Sarah didn't realise this when He challenged her. She was adamant that she hadn't lied, God told her that she had. We must never lie to God, He knows what we are doing and He may just turn to you and tell you like He did Sarah. On its own, it was quite a genuine statement Sarah made, how on earth could she have a baby at her age. The problem was, she lied to God. 

How would you feel if God told you something incredible; something that was impossible in your  own mindset, to happen. It would make you struggle a little bit, no doubt. You would probably say, 'No, that's me, God would never do that.' These were bible people, not like us. They were specially picked by God. But the people in the bible were no different from us - they were human beings, and yet, we could never imagine anything so powerful to happen. But it could, you just never know.

Look again at Paul's words in Ephesians 3:20. Enclosed in this statement is a word of faith: 'according to the power that works in us.' God wants us to have faith 'Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.'  Hebrew 11:1.

The definition of this verse is, Believing God totally. And finally: 'So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever'. 2 Corinthians 4:128.

God wants us to be believing vessels; not just believing in Him but, believing what He says. He is able to do whatever He tells you. Grab a hold of the type of faith that God wants you to live by. You will then be the believer He wants you to be.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.

Don't worship an idol

"You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you."   Exodus 34:14.  NLT

God is a jealous God and so, He has the name Jealous. This is not for petty, jealous reasons; it is because He wishes to watch over us, protecting our righteousness and spirituality. He is jealous for His reputation. He made a covenant of protection with Moses and the Israelites. He will go before them, protecting them and guiding them but, they must never give themselves to false worship, thus bowing to an idol, they must only worship the Lord their God.

It is the same today. People without knowing it, are worshipping false Gods - football teams, we see them raising their hands to their team, nothing else matters. This is making a football team more important than God Himself. Pop stars is another area where people are in error of making them an idol. In fact, anything that takes God's place can be seen as a idol.

People may think this is splitting hairs but, if what they do becomes the most important thing in their life, it becomes an idol. He doesn't mind us enjoying seeing our favourite team win a match, not at all. And He loves us to enjoy the musicians of the day playing their hit songs but again, they must never take His place.

Some people can make their job an idol too. They are totally devoted to their work spending long hours doing what they love. It is great to see successful and dedicated people at work, that is what they Are supposed to do. However, there is a fine line, if that line is crossed, then something has to suffer. This could be anything in your life that takes God's place. When this happens, God takes second place. This is where His jealousy comes into play. 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."  Proverbs 3:5-6.  NLT.

We can't get away from what this says 'all your heart' and 'all you do.' That to me is everything we do. A helpful thing to do is to place your own name in these two verses and claim them for yourself. Give all to God and, He will give all to you. Don't miss out on the blessings He has for you. They are rich

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.

Just trust God for everything

3Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

                                                                            Psalm 37:2    NLT

Giving God everything pays dividends! He knows all of the answers in life. and He knows how to do things you never thought was possible. Relationship is what it is all about. If you want to get ahead - Get God. He can take failures and turn them into winners. He can take a failure and make it a success. He turns losers into winners.

The more you enter into relationship with Jesus, the more you will be able to learn things about yourself that are holding you back. His delight is to bring you delight and this can give you the courage you need to forge ahead into new things. You may run a business that has been struggling for a little while. Make Jesus your business partner and watch it zoom.

You may work in sales and your boss has been on your back for more sales. Take Jesus on the road with you and watch your sales go up rapidly. In fact, whatever you do for a living - work for someone, have your own business, you're in the services or you may have retired, including Jesus in your day adds the security and prosperity that you need.

These two verses carry a promise from God. As we trust in Him for everything and obey His laws, He will protect us and prosper us. This doesn't mean He will make us all millionaires. He could but the prosperity He means is the value of a happy and blessed life. Jesus takes care of His people. He loves to walk and work with us. He also loves to talk to us so, make sure you talk back to Him.

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

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.