Our Five Senses - TOUCH

"Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said, 'Peace to you!'  27 Then He said to Thomas, 'Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.'  John 20:26-27. NKJV

Thomas was always the one that needed convincing before he would accept things. It wasn't that he doubted everything but, he needed to be sure that what he saw and heard was right. And that is not a bad thing when you think about it.

To touch someone or something, is to feel. So when Thomas touched Jesus' wounds, he was actually feeling them, feeling the pain Jesus suffered which must have given him a deeper insight into what it had cost Him on the cross; and this is why he said to Jesus, 'My Lord and my God' v28.

When Jesus touched people, His power was emitted and people were healed and/or delivered. When we asked Jesus into our lives that time, He touched us as He entered our hearts. In the same manner, we touched Him as well. More than touch though, we actually could feel Jesus within us, we felt so different. When someone has encountered Jesus in their life, they are never the same again, His touch made them feel loved and cared for, protected and joyful. And no matter how much we let Him down each day, as we repent, we receive that wonderful feeling again.

Why not touch others to the glory of God! A gentle hug or a friendly pat shows your love and may just be what that person needed - no words but that touch. Think about it: Let your hands be so busy giving and receiving blessings that you don’t have the room to hold onto grudges. Hug your children, wife, husband. Show them love, the love of Jesus.

Something is happening in our world today that we know nothing about. The world is in pain; it is suffering. Daily people are being killed on our streets or in places of war. In our own strength, we don't have the power to change all of this but, we can pray that God will intervene. You know that God changes things. As we pray, in a way we are touching them, supporting them, wanting to change them and as we do this, God can touch their hearts and change their situations. 

Do you realise that through Jesus, you have the ability to touch situations whether in the flesh or by prayer. You can reach your hand out and heal a situation that is going on around you or in the world. Just little old you can change things. You are significant in God's eyes, stop trying to hide away. You can do this. You are a somebody in Jesus. So start feeling good about yourself. You are a child of the King of kings. Live as such.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

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Our Five Senses (SMELL)

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

Following on from yesterday, we come to the second sense:

Smell: Nose

The sense of smell mostly brings a joy to our soul rather like, sweet-smelling flowers, freshly baked bread, the freshness of the countryside on a summer's walk. The sense of smell should make us want to give praise to God. Obviously I’m talking in a spiritual way here. Some smells are not so praiseworthy. What kind of smell are you exhaling around? When you are with your family or friends, do you have a good smell - a fragrance, to them?

In all things we need to breathe life, and exhale Jesus to other people. As I have mentioned many times, not all people read a bible or go to church. In fact, many only attend church for weddings, Christenings or funerals. The bible, if a family have one, usually goes unread gathering dust. I remember once in Brighton, we had travelled to a Christian outreach. One night, on the way to the venue we stopped to have a meal. I had my bible with me and the young waitress asked me if I wanted her to put it behind the counter while we ate, I'll never forget, she carried it as if it was going to leap out of her hands and bite her. Prayer also is something unbelievers only consider when things go dreadfully wrong. The rest of the time, the fragrance of God is not around them. This is where we come in.

We have the capability to spread the fragrance of Jesus wherever we go. That sweet smelling aroma of Jesus Christ should be exhaling from us to people. When it is, they can feel this. They may not say anything but they know, there is something about us. We smell differently and it affects them. Some may become annoyed and aggressive towards us; others may want to know more. Remember, many unbelievers have problems just like we do but many don't have any opportunity to talk it through. This is where we can help. Without being forceful, we can begin a conversation with them and they may disclose something that is bothering them. And this may give us the opportunity to pray with them. You never know until you try.

When Jesus walked the earth, wherever He went He drew people to Himself. This may have been people who wanted to follow Him or hurt Him. Whatever, they couldn't resist being with Him. This is the fragrance I am talking about here, the smell of the Holy Spirit falling on whoever is around. And as a Christian, you have this within you. You may not know this or, if you do, you may not want to use it but, the fragrance is still with you because Jesus is with you.

Just imagine what you could achieve for Jesus if you submitted to Him and agreed that anywhere you go you will tell someone what this fragrance is. 

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

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Our Five Senses (SIGHT)

"When Elisha's servant got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:13-17. My paraphrase

Over the next few days, let's look at our five senses from a biblical context:

SIGHT.  How is your vision? I’m not talking about your natural vision but your spiritual vision? When you are facing troubles, what can you see? What do you hope for?

In the midst of struggles, we have to climb up the Spiritual Mountain and look above the situation and see what we can learn from it, what we can use to strength our lives.
Look at a perfect example of looking at something the right way: Are you like the servant in verse 15 above 'Oh no, What shall we do? What do you usually see? Are you just seeing trouble, disease, a powerful army against you? Or are you like Elisha in verse 16? 'Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'

Now, let's be honest, if we had been that servant, we would have acted in the same way. It would be natural to do that. But, can I remind you that, we are supernatural people. We belong to Jesus and we don't walk by what we can see. 'For we walk by faith, not by sight' 2 Corinthians 5:7. If we are born again and bible-believing Christians, we believe that God's Word is the truth. Therefore, this verse, although hard for some people to accept, is the truth and it is what Elisha was telling his servant all those years ago. If you and I could see as clearly as that servant did that day, we would be astounded at what we saw. We would see ugly, devouring and mischievous demonic forces all around us, but, we would also see mighty angels assigned to us to serve and protect us as we request. It would be an awesome sight. 

And this is how we are called to live each day. Troubles come and floor us; they mount up until we feel we can't handle all of this. However, as we look into the supernatural with our spiritual sight, we will see all the support we will ever need. Angels all around us waiting for us to call on God so that He can loose them to serve us and work on our behalf. There is no need to fear - anything. Everything, absolutely everything is in God's control - as long as we have put it there by our daily prayers. This is what Peter meant when he showed us: 'Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.' 1 Pet 5:7.

And let us not forget, 'Whoever calls on the name of the Lord, shall be saved.' Rom 10:13.

So, let us get into living in the supernatural, trusting God for every single thing. He is truthful and if He has said it in His Word, He is bound to it; He will not let you down.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

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Type A and Type B people

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."   Philippians 2:3   NKJV

Are you familiar with the term Type A and Type B people? You should be because you are either one of them or, an individual who fits into both types. Let me explain. According to the Medical News for Today:

Type A and type B are two main personality categories. People with type A

personalities may be ambitious, aggressive, and competitive. People with type B personalities may be laid-back, flexible, and patient. Personality refers to the pattern of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that make each individual who they are.

Personality can affect how people interact with others, their approach to work, and how they respond to stressful events. A person may have a Type A or B personality depending on the key characteristics they display. These traits may impact their work or studies and their interactions with others. They may also affect their health. medical news for today.com

The Type A traits are: competitive, time urgent and impatient/intolerant. They may display hostility and aggression, feel guilt if they relax in spare times, Move, walk and eat rapidly, experts at multitasking, ambitious and much more.

Type B traits are: relaxed, laid back, non-competitive, won't be rushed.

If both of these types meet a mountain in their way, Type A will try to climb it to get by. Type B will relax and wait for help.

Typical Type A behaviour is preparing a simple breakfast. The kettle is switched on, bread put in the toaster, plates on the table and their own toast must be buttered. All of this must be done before the kettle has boiled. They race against this time. If the kettle boils first a feeling of failure hits them and they may become annoyed. Simple tasks like cutting the grass are also monitored by time. They know it should take 45 Minutes to cut it; one minute over and they feel that they're running late. Another example is driving. They know that the journey takes a certain time and they are watching the clock to check certain points. If someone wants to stop for a toilet break, they begin to flap because all of the people they have passed, will be in front of them again and, they will have lost time.  This sums up their lives - full speed ahead. Whereas, Type B just plods along in relax mode and refuses to be rushed. This infuriates Type A and they keep urging them along. 

I must admit that I'm a bit of a Type A and when we are going anywhere, there is a schedule to keep. My wife is Type B and never rushes - at all. In the end, I go and sit in the car to wait. What this achieves I don't know, but it seems to work.

Do you see yourself in these Types? If so, what Type are you? The thing is, you probably can't change who you are but, you can be less demanding on these schedules, (Yes, I'm speaking to myself). Scripture tells us that nothing should be done from selfish ambition or conceit. In other words Type A, there is a need to work round these traits to make it more acceptable to those around. Type B, there is a need to be understanding to Type A and work with them. We're all different and have different ways of doing things. Tolerance and understanding, together with prayer, can be a great solution. One good thing from Type A and B people is, they can help each other. A magnet has two poles, one positive, one negative. The like poles placed together will repel each other. Yet the unlike poles (Positive to negative) will join together and work well. There is a learning curve here for both Type A and B.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

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Hypocrisy, lies and Disobedience

"So Judah said, 'Bring her out and let her be burned.'" v24  Genesis 38  NKJV 

Judah was one of Joseph's brothers credited with saving him from death and persuading his brothers to sell him into slavery instead. Acting on impulse and lust, Judah married a Canaanite woman called Shua, thus disobeying God's word in Deut 7:3. God had forbidden intermarriage with Canaanites because of their Pagan religious practices. However, this did not deter Judah at all. Shua gave birth to a son called Er. Er finally married a woman named Tamar. However, Er was evil in God's sight, so the Lord ended his life. The custom was for the next son in line to marry the dead brother's wife and have an heir. However, Onan, Judah's second son was given Tamar. However, he didn't want an heir and when he had sex with her, he emitted on to the ground. This displeased God who ended Onan's life too v9-10.

Now the custom was for the next available son, who was Shelah, to take up this role. However, Judah feared losing another son so, he told Tamar to go home to her father until Shelah was old enough to marry. This was a lie; Judah had no intention of this happening and Tamar realised this too

Later, Tamar found out that Judah was going to have his sheep sheared a little way away from where they lived. Tamar changed her widow's clothes and dressed like a harlot with a veil over her face and she waited for Judah by the wayside. When he arrived, having a reputation of being a lady's man, he told her he wanted to have sex with her. In return, he promised her a young goat, but for her own peace of mind, she asked for his signet ring, cord and staff, which she would return later. When this was over, she went back home and dressed as a widow again. Later when Judah sent someone to deliver the goat and claim his belongings, the Woman could not be found. He put this down to just one of those things.

Months later, Judah was told that Tamar was with child and in labour. He screamed out, 'Bring her out and let her be burned.'" v24. But Tamar was very clever and holding up the ring, cord and staff, she said, 'By the man to whom these belong, I am with child - please determine whose these are.' Judah could not back out of this one. He was caught out, hook, line and sinker. He would be the father of twins v27-30.

Just look at the way Judah was acting, going to put to death some girl who had been with a man and yet, he was guilty of adultery too. Not only that, he was guilty of disobedience for marrying a Canaanite woman in the first place.

Listen, we can so easily lose our credibility by taking our eyes off God and doing our own thing. Yes, this was in OT times but, it was still breaking God's laws and it was still irresponsible behaviour, the type of behaviour that sticks to us like glue. Many, many leading Christian men and women have had their ministries ruined by such things. Jesus forgives that's true, but people's memories of such things are very good. Don't be a part of this type of thing. Be careful, where you go, what you say and who you spend time with  - alone. Hypocrisy, disobedience, adultery, fraud, tax evasion etc etc. They all taint our testimony. Be very careful, because there's a schemer on the loose seeking who to devour. Get you armour on.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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

  

 

Contentment

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."   Philippians 4:13  NKJV 

This verse can easily be read along with Phil 4:19 'And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.' They go hand in hand. Being content in Christ takes time to settle in our hearts. We can easily take these verses literally, especially v19, that God will give us all we ask Him for. We often miss the word 'need' in this verse. The verse doesn't say 'all you want', rather it says, 'all your need'. There's a big difference here and one in which many people have read it wrong. We can trust that God will supply our need and as we begin to trust Him even more, we can become more content in what He will supply.

In verse 13, we read that 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Again, some people may read this verse wrong. God isn't saying that He will issue you with a blue lycra suit with an 'S' on the front and a pair of red underpants. He could do if He chose to but, it is highly unlikely. Read the verse properly, it says 'through Christ who strengthens.' God does not want you or I flying off around the place doing things that the film stars do. We come from Calvary, not Hollywood. There is only one superman here and that is the God-man, Jesus Christ. We need to stay in the boundaries of which He has called us to be.

Having said all that, God will give us what we need to handle a situation. He will strengthen us for the task and, He will give us the words to say, if we need to. In a way, you could imagine that God has given you a wire that is connected to your ear and back to Jesus' HQ, rather like the spy films. When we don't know what to do, He will tell us and show us the way forward. (Yes, I know that sounds like Hollywood, but I rather like that.)

God will always give us what we need to live our daily lives or to perform a task for Him. 

You know, at times doing things for Jesus can be very exciting. For the last 10 years of my working life, I worked in a hospice, speaking with patients and families. My job was to help them face what was happening to them all. Not easy. I was not allowed to speak about Jesus at all, so I decided to be an 'undercover agent' for God. I would find out if they had a faith and take it from there. If they wanted to speak further, I took this that they had given me permission. I led quite a few people to Jesus during this time - patients and families. God gave me the opportunities and the strength to do it. It was so exciting working this way for Jesus. The secret was in them giving their permission and God did the rest.

God will give you the strength to do all things for Him and will provide what you need. 

And that is what gives us the contentment to carry on.

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

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Put it into practice

"Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."   

                                             Philippians 4:9   NLT 

We saw in verse 8 yesterday that we are to focus, dwell and think about what Paul is teaching. Let's go one further, I believe God wants us to fix our thoughts on what we are being taught. One part of the meaning of 'Fix' is to mend something - put it right. But I believe that the meaning here is to live in it (Dwell). The type of fix that I am pointing to is when we bolt something to a wall; cement a brick in place or hang a new door. These items are usually fixed into position permanently. And this is what God wants us to do with His Word. We fix our thoughts on what is being taught and allow it to take up residence in our spirit and then; we put into practice what we have learned. 

It is no good learning God's Word if we are not going to live it. If we live it, will it not be seen and heard by all we come into contact with? You bet it will. The thing is, it's possible to go to church, enjoy a good sermon and then forget all about it until the following week. This is not really helpful. Paul wrote to the Philippians urging them to put into practice all they had learned and received from him. Paul was in prison. We don't know much about the place he was in - it may well have been squalor but, it didn't reflect in what he wrote. He was praising God, not complaining and believe it or not, God was blessing him as he wrote. He may have been living in a terrible fashion but not a harsh word came out of his mouth. We need to be this way - 'no matter what, we will still praise you Lord'.

Paul continued to put into practice what the Lord Jesus had taught him and, he encouraged the others to do the same, and the majority of them did. He was their mentor and a mentor steers people in the right direction. What they see him do, they, to a degree, should be doing. A mentor is a good example. Our mentor of course is Jesus. However, He uses human mentors to teach and nurture us. This may be a pastor, teacher or home group leader. It may also be a trusted Christian friend. They are a shadow of Jesus to us until we are either ready to fledge the nest or continue because a friendship has been made.

The final authority though is always Jesus of course, no-one can take His place. A mentor is just there to give us a helping hand. What about you? Do you mentor someone? Is this the way God is leading you? The first rule of thumb is to put into practice what you have learned. By doing this, people will see Jesus in you, then the peace of God will be with you. 

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 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

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