Thank you LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."     Psalm 103:1-5   NKJV

As we read through this Psalm, it's helpful to realise that, many times we cannot put into words, properly, what we would like to. Therefore, this Psalm beautifully verbalises what we can't say.. We are to call upon our soul - Mind, Will and Emotions - to bless the Lord, which will completely let God know just our grateful to Him, we are.

We should never forget His benefits. These are given to us daily (Psalm 68:19). We often forget to thank Him for the soundness of our body, the soundness of our mind, our sight and the mercies He gives us. It's easy to take this all for granted - we are busy people - but we should never be too busy to thank Jesus for all He gives us. Make it a daily prayer.

He daily gives us forgiveness for our iniquities as we ask Him and again, we need to be so grateful for this. Imagine your crimson sin made whiter than snow. This is divine grace and it is too much to take in at times. Where healing is concerned, remember this comes after forgiveness. The physical is closely related to the spiritual. While not all sickness is a direct result of sin, some of it is. Where this connection exists, forgiveness must precede healing. The Lord is able to heal our sicknesses but we cannot claim healing for every disease, otherwise none of us would " die. Really, whenever a believer is healed, this is a mercy from God and He should be acknowledged and praised for this.

He redeems and restores our lives from the pit or destruction. Obviously, the ultimate is rescuing us from going to hell. But the meaning here is, He continually delivers us from danger, accidents and tragedy. And He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies, which gives us total satisfaction and renewed youth.

We are so fortunate to have Jesus in our lives.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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.

Addiction

"You are truly My disciples if you keep obeying My teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."   John 6:31-32. NLT

The spiritual forces that sway our life are rooted in either truth or deceit. Truth leads to freedom where deceit leads to bondage and death. Denial to the fact that we have an addiction problem, keeps us in slavery to this addiction and it is difficult to see that there is any other hope of life. Belief in Jesus can help us to break free from this captivity and give us the freedom to kick out the lie that is keeping us chained.

Many Christians are prisoners of spiritual warfare. The enemy chains them to this addiction and convinces them that there is no escape. There is, and His name is Jesus. The devil has convinced people to own the label 'Addict.' This may be to drugs, sex, pornography, alcohol dependency, gambling, food or whatever else. They feel trapped with no way out. But, God can make a way where there seems to be no way!

Jesus is the truth that sets people free (John 8:36). Jesus gives the person who is in captivity, the ability to break loose from their addiction. Take a look at our text today; Jesus said, 'if you keep obeying My teachings'.  We  need to believe and accept this word. It couldn't be any plainer than this, could it? However, it is not easy to put this into practice. Anyone who has ever tried to stop smoking knows how difficult this is. Many stop for a week or two, but the craving gets too much for them and they think, 'I'll just have one cigarette - that's all.' It doesn't work like that. it is all or nothing. If one keeps going back to the addiction they are still hooked.

I've worked with people who have a drug dependency and many of them have yearned to be free but failed miserably. Only one act can free a person and that is a commitment to Jesus. If a person KEEPS obeying His teachings, they will be set free. It is the truth because, Jesus never lies, it's the devil who does that. He will convince a person that there is no hope that they can ever be free. This is forever. No, no, no. Only Jesus' Word is forever. The devil is temporary and his days are limited. Because of this, he wants to take as many people with him as he can. Don't be one of them

You can be free from the torment of addiction. We probably all have certain things that we know we shouldn't do, but we still do so. Is this an addiction? If you can't live without it, yes it is. Your addiction may be small in comparison but, it is still holding you in captivity. Therefore, pray for those who are - in their minds - hopelessly trapped and while you're doing this, bring your addiction to Jesus as well - repent and receive His forgiveness and be set free. Don't be subjected to chains any longer!

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

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and 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'

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.                                

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

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Stop trying to change what God ordained

"I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him."              

                                                                             Ecclesiastes 3:14.  NKJV

People all over the world are trying to change what God has put into place but, they will not succeed. Let's look at the 'biggies' that are always topical: Abortion, Homosexuality and Transgender issues. These areas are often debated within governments and the media:

ABORTION  Is it right that someone can take away life from a human being? It is often mentioned that it is murder. A foetus is still alive so is it the right thing to end its life for one reason or another? Some women have a termination because it doesn't fit into their life style. Well, shouldn't they have considered this before they went and engaged in unguarded sexual intercourse. Yes, if a baby is at risk to itself or the mother, perhaps this termination should be considered. But other than that, surely the baby should be given the right to life. Otherwise, shouldn't it be classed as murder?

HOMOSEXUALITY. Did God get things wrong when He created man and woman at creation; surely not? He said it was not right that a man should be alone v18. So He created a woman for the man to share his life with and be productive. Wouldn't He have created another man for Adam, if He wanted them to enjoy sex together. They wouldn't have been able to produces children either, because God never made them that way. He wanted man and woman to be together.

TRANSGENDER. This is an issue that has the ability to split parents and family apart. If a man was born a male, did God want Him to be female instead? I don't think so. For a young person to go for years of counsel and operations to change sex, surely is an insult to God. A male was born to place seed in the womb of a female - hence, promoting more men and women. Kids at main schools have been subjected to teaching about sexual health and development; most educational authorities are now deciding this was wrong.  

To add to this, there are the Euthanasia issues, about have people and/or doctors the right to end someone's life. This world is really becoming like a horror movie. Then of course there are the people who believe the bible is outdated. It should be brought up to date. Mostly at the back of their minds, is it possible that they are getting God's blessing for doing these things?

The world as we know it has gone sour I'm afraid and it is scary how things will turn out in years to come. Christians need to fight these issues not just sit around twiddling their thumbs hoping that someone else will do this. 

Brothers and Sisters, the time has come to make a stand! Amen?

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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 you think you've been away too long?

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  18I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,  19and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” 

                                                                 Luke 15:17-19   NKJV

This young chap, claimed his inheritance from his father and left home. This is common all over the world, where young folk decide to leave the safety of their parents and leave to 'find themselves'. This chap was no different; he asked his father for his part of the inheritance and set off on a wild living adventure. He had not been used to this lifestyle and, because he had money, he made new friends quickly and lived it up for a season. That was, until the money ran out and he was left with no money and no friends. In fact, he was homeless, and had to eat pig-food to be able to exist.

You know, when you have money to spare, friends are easily found. Ask yourself, are they really a friend? Or are they after what they can get from you and when you have nothing left to give them, these 'friends' disappear? This is what happened to this young man. He was left with nothing.

It can be quite similar for people who have a Christian faith but, because of various things that have happened to them, they decide to give up on their faith and walk away from God. Now we can learn from this experience. if we walk away from God, He doesn't necessarily come running after us and persuade us to come home. But He stands and watches from afar v20. He wants us to learn from our mistakes and so leaves us to cope with what we have or haven't got. Then, through a series of events, when we realise that we can't manage alone and start to return to Him, He sees us and runs to meet us. He won't even ask why we left in the first place.

You may have given up on your faith, stopped reading your bible and left your church. Let me tell you something, God knows all about why you did this and, wants to help. However, He won't help, until you make your way back to Him. This doesn't mean going back to church; it means going back to Jesus. Ask yourself, 'Don't you think you've been away from God too long?'

If you can answer yes to this last question, then get up and head back home to your Father. He is watching and waiting and when He sees that you mean business, He will run towards His child and embrace you.

Go on, you've nothing to lose. Go back to Jesus!

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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 other side of Joseph

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.  4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him"                                      Genesis 37:3.  NKJV

Joseph is one of my main characters in the Old Testament. He went through so much - hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison where he remained for many years. Finally, God raised him up and, he was made Prime Minister of Egypt second only to Pharaoh.

 However, there was another side to Joseph. Before all of this happened, he was recognised by his father, Jacob, as the favourite son and to confirm this, Jacob made him a coat of many colours which signified that he was the first born son and entitled to Jacob's inheritance. But this was not so, he was the 11th son of twelve and most certainly did not qualify for this position within the family.

Joseph arrogantly strutted around wearing this infamous coat and began having dreams which when interpreted pointed out that, one day his father and brothers would have to bow down to him. He should have left this bit out because it enraged his brothers and they began to hate him, plotting against his life. Joseph was totally insensitive to his family's feelings. He had a chip on his shoulder, lording it over his brothers. His life over the next few years would teach him humility. One would have thought that Jacob would have realised how his own upbringing had caused so much of a scandal within the family. But it just fiew over his head.  

Joseph had to go through many trials over the next few years and it was not easy. If you have ever been separated from your family at a young age and had to live in foreign surroundings - or even foster care - you would know how Joseph must have felt. But even though he was in this position, he decided he would work hard and, even though he had a long prison sentence, he made the most of it and, he began to change. He spent a lot of time with God, that is obvious because of his witness to all around. And eventually, God raised him up to Prime Minister.

When the chips are down in your own life, learn from Joseph and begin to serve your masters well. God will recognise your hard work and the changes that you are making. At the right time, He will raise you up. So begin to get excited right now. Once that He sees your determination and your hard work, He will rubber-stamp it and you'll be on your way.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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.

 

No Stain Upon You

"My precious bride, the day is nearing, when I'll take you in My arms and hold you. I know there are so many things that you've been hearing, but you just hold on to what I have told you. Chorus For when I hear the praises start, My bride, I want to rain upon you, blessings that will fill your heart, I see no stain upon you, because you are My child and you know Me, to Me you're only holy, nothing that you've done will remain, only what you do for Me."                                   Copyright 1977 Keith Green

Keith Green, the immensely popular Christian singer/songwriter, wrote this song and many others prior to his untimely death in a helicopter crash that also claimed his son. For me, this was one of his best; written in prophetic style that speaks directly to the individual.

Just read through the words and  allow Jesus to speak directly to you, if you have the CD, it may help to play this too. You are His precious bride, created for fellowship with Him on that special day when He takes you into His heaven. But until then, don't be side-tracked by the many rumours and false statements that you may hear. Remember, Satan doesn't like you and will do all he can to hoodwink you. Don't let him. Just hold on to what God has told you because, He speaks the truth.

When Jesus hears the praises start from your lips, He places blessing upon blessing upon you and fills your heart with His love, hope and confidence. He will never let you down. No matter what you have done in the past, there is absolutely no stain on you. He has wiped you clean of your sin and it is like He has written 'Not Guilty' in gold upon your forehead. The devil sees and knows the sin you have committed in the past but that is because he refuses to believe anything that God can and has done for all who believe in Him. You know Jesus and He knows you and what He sees in you is holy, all He knows about you is what you do for Him, nothing else.

This is why it is so important to praise Jesus. When you praise Him, it is like a host of angels in heaven do the same and make heavenly music to the King of kings. Realise this and don't forget it; Jesus Christ can't get enough of you. Whenever things go wrong for you in your walk, He becomes excited because He knows that He is going to hear your voice. Our lives are so busy at times that we fail to talk to Him, praise Him and worship him. So it is possible that he allows certain things to happen so that He can hear your voice.

He looks down from heaven and sees you. He doesn't see any sin because, there is no stain upon you, He has taken it away on the cross. When you do sin, you know that He will forgive you because of the cross. 

The old Christian hymn goes like this:

'What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear; What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer'.    Joseph Scriven

Think about that, He truly is a wonderful friend; the best you will ever have!

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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.

Tell them you love them

9“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."    John 15:9.  NKJV

If you love someone, then tell them. Some people have had some bad experiences with love and find it difficult to share it with the people that matter. It may be that they are frightened to show love just in case they are hurt again. Is this you? You are not alone; many people feel just the same. If a marriage breaks down and one party is left at home while the other partner goes away with someone else, it is heartbreaking. In a case such as this, it is so easy for the hurting person to make a vow that no one will ever hurt them again.

This vow can carry over to a new relationship where the person that made the vow, will only give so much of their heart to a new love, where the new person is giving all they have got. It can come to a head because of the lack of love or one-sided devotion. A new partner can begin to feel rejected and may leave the relationship. If this is you, then change this right now. How, you may ask? By being open with the person. If the new relationship is worth it then keep a hold of it but, you'll only do this by being open and honest.

Choose a time where you refuse to be interrupted and share your heart. The only way you will be able to do this is to let it all out letting the other person know that you hold back because of fear - fear of being hurt again. Don't leave anything out, be honest. If you truly love this person and want the relationship to go on, then hold nothing back. Yes, you will be opening your heart to them. Quietly talking things through can be so worthwhile and it can lead to a life of happiness for you both. So do this.

Jesus wasn't afraid to show His love to people, even the one's He knew hated Him and would betray Him. He didn't hold back, and many people who were unsure of Him at first, grew into a deep love with Him. To be a Christian guarantees that we receive this love from Jesus. It's different love that He offers us to what we would receive from a partner, but it's a love that gives us confidence to know that He will guide us in all we do if, we acknowledge Him first.

What's more, if Jesus has drawn two people together in love, then He is committed to them and will steer each of you through all the twists and turns of the romantic world. He hates divorce but, realises that, at times, there are no further answers to keeping the marriage going. So when a new relationship is started, He is interested that the same mistakes are not made so, He will draw the two people together and help them build the relationship upon Him - a God-Centred -Marriage.

But it will only get this far if honesty rules within. So lay your cards on the table and bare your soul to each other and allow God to do the rest! And don't forget to tell the people in your life, that you love them everyday.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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.