The Fragrance of Jesus

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."  2 Corinthians 2:14  NKJV

Have you ever been in a place and you look at someone and somehow, you know that they are a believer? This is the fragrance of God. Paul, above, says that the fragrance of His knowledge is diffused (Manifested) in every place. Therefore, wherever you are, when you are walking with Jesus, His fragrance will be picked up by others. This is why there are bad reactions from some people who just do not like you. You have done nothing to them, they just know that you are different and they do not want this. When Jesus is around, the devil doesn't like it one bit.

From the other side of the coin, when we meet with a fellow believer, you both may be able to pick up this wonderful fragrance that can only come from the Holy Spirit. And when this happens to you, it can be such a blessing. This shows that you are walking in the Spirit of God. So there are two avenues that are created by your presence when you walk into a room:

(1)  Fellow believers can feel the presence of God coming from you. They are drawn to you and, whether or not they mention this, they feel secure in your presence. Non-believers can also tell that there is something about you that makes them feel drawn to you. This is not sexual at all, the attraction is the Holy Spirit drawing them to you. They may speak; they may not but you have the opportunity to open a conversation with them and as the conversation goes on, speak about Jesus. You will be surprised how many people want to learn about Jesus and how He can make a difference in a person's life. The Holy Spirit has prepared the way and given you this opportunity.

(2). Of course, there will be obstacles in the way. Satan will do all he can to prevent anyone coming to know Jesus. He doesn't like you and, he doesn't particularly like the person you may speak with. He is on guard to prevent anyone even coming near to the kingdom of God and, if you are the instrument God is using, he will try to stop you any way that he can. So be careful.

You need to realise that, since you became a Christian, God anointed you, you carry the anointing of Jesus wherever you go and, this is why people are drawn to you. John Wimber once said that he was in a small store getting a few groceries when he noticed a little old lady following him around, staring and smiling. It made him a little uneasy at first and then God showed him that it was the fragrance of Jesus attracting her. He stopped and spoke to her and said, 'You like that don't you?' She replied, 'Yes I do, what is it?' John said, 'It's the Holy Spirit; draw near to God and receive.' And he laid hands on her and brought her to know Jesus right in the middle of the store.

This is what I am talking about - The fragrance of the Holy Spirit. As you walk in the Spirit, you too will have the similar things happen to you. Are  you prepared and ready for this?

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, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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Be a Difference-Maker

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."  1 Timothy 4:12  NKJV

Just what is a Difference-Maker? It is what it is - wherever you go, whatever you do and whatever you say, it makes a difference. There is too much copying today. People become inspired by someone who is making a difference, who stands out in the crowd and they mimic them. We can't do this. Yes, we can model ourselves on someone but we can't be an exact copy of that person who impresses you. We can have role models but, we must be ourselves not a carbon copy of someone else. If God had wanted this, He would have cloned you.

Making a difference is being determined not to follow the crowd. If God has given you a mission then, carry out that mission. Don't take someone else with you for support or back up. If God had wanted that He would have said so. No, it is your mission so, go and get it.

When we are a Difference-Maker, some people don't like it. They will begrudge you coming in and changing things. I know a pastor who went to lead a church with a troubled history. On his first Sunday, he stood before the packed congregation and told them what he was going to do with the church and what he expected from them. He then ended his talk with the words: 'All those who are with me, remain seated, the rest, please leave the church right now.' Out of the packed church, nine people remained and he told them, 'Right, we can now concentrate on building this church.' And he did. He built a thriving church that is still going today.

You see, there are changes that have to be made in certain areas and to do this, one has to be ruthless in carrying this work out. This church had been fighting against each other for years as many burnt out pastors could testify. It needed a Difference-Maker to change things. 

Are you a Difference-Maker? Has God given you a mandate of what He wants you to do? It may not be anything to do with a church but it may be just as important. Make sure that this is what God wants you to do and give it a go. You may have to approach your pastor and speak with him about changes you feel God is wanting within the church. Pastors are not perfect and they need some support and advice at times. If that's you, go for it. 

The thing is, the time has come for all of us to stop and ask ourselves, ''Do I make a difference wherever I am?'  God needs Difference-Makers even if the differences are concerning yourself. None of us have it perfectly right. Many things need tweaking or changing. Difference-Makers can help do this!

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, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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"I've got this covered'

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."                                        Psalm 46:10  NKJV 

When times are rough or perhaps, in chaos, God wants us to involve Him in the situation. There are times, when we can make things worse by trying to take on what we shouldn't. A footnote in, The Spirit Filled Life Bible grabbed my attention. It reads:

'Be still: This is not a call for silent worship. v10 is the voice of God addressing the wicked, warring nations with a warning. In other words, 'Cease and desist; it is I, God who will be exalted in victory; you do not have a chance at winning.' 

Often this verse is read that we should remain still and leave things to Him. However, this description pads it out much more. God is actually warning the nations that are attacking God's people to step back, stop it right now. They have no chance in taking God on and coming out victorious.

Let's consider this. We often think that it is us that should 'be still' but here, God is quite clearly telling the attackers to be still - to stop what they're doing. Yes, it does refer to us as well; we do need to 'be still' and get out of the way so God can do His work. He has this covered when we do this. But the main message is, the attacker is ordered by God to stop the attack.

This shines a light on what we need to do when people come up against us intending to do battle. All we have to do is turn our heart towards God in confidence and, He'll do what needs to be done. It's that simple. The bottom line though is doing this. We need to check our reactions and get them in line with God's word. I remember some years ago, I was at a Gospel meal and a chap got up and gave his testimony. Apparently, at this man's place of work, a certain chap had been bullying him and making his life a misery because of his faith. After a while, this had begun to get him down and he called on God to stop this man from persecuting and hurting him so much. That very day, this bully died of a heart attack. He had been attacking one of God's people and so the recipient had called on God to help and then became 'still.' You may think this is quite extreme but, God is true to His word and when we get out of the way, He will act on our behalf. Never doubt that.

Whatever you are undergoing at this time, God has got it covered. Don't try to handle it yourself, let God do the work, He's bigger than you and much more experienced. 'Be still' and God will warn the attacker to also 'Be still and cease this action.' If they don't, they must receive what God has for them. He is loving but also, He's a formidable figure to come up against.

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, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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Priorities and Attitudes

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".  Matthew 6:21  NKJV

Tony Evans writes: 'Hanging around a hospital, doesn't make you a patient. And hanging around a church doesn't make you a Christian.'  Tony Evans Bible Commentary

People seem to think that going to church is paramount to them being recognised as a fully fledged Christian. This is not true, unless they have made Jesus the Lord of their life. And, if they have, of course, He reigns in their hearts. Having the biggest bible, does not make you a Christian, not does being able to quote all of the key verses within the bible. That is head knowledge not, heart knowledge.

Just check out today's text, it is saying your treasure will be in your heart. Many people have two priorities in life (1) Cheques books (2) Diaries/Appointment books. These two items rule their life. It shows where they spend their time and where they spend their money. This is what they value.

It is very commendable to be a successful business person and the self-made millionaire has a great talent. But, this will not get them into heaven. The Beatles used to sing 'Can't buy me love' And this is also very true. Many of the people will flock to the successful business person but, what are they after, love or a handout? A rich person must find it very difficult to understand why they are so accepted in society. This can make them very insecure and also explains why so many rich people have pre-nuptial contracts before they are married. Surely this can't be love and trust.

It is what is in a person's heart that determines what they are and where they are going. What is the point in having all the money in the world and then, at the age of perhaps 30, going out and dying in a high speed car crash. There is no point, unless of course Jesus was the treasure within  their hearts. The full words of this piece of scripture reads: 19 'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also' These verses underpin what we are discussing here. There is no point in making riches and successes more important than your destiny. One day we will all stand before Jesus Christ and He will ask us why we feel we should be allowed into His heaven. The only answer will be, 'Because Jesus Christ lives in my heart.' This answer will open the gates of heaven; nothing else will

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, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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It is time to take control

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. 7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you".

                                                                        1 Peter 5:6-7  NLT

We often hear that things are sent to try us and it's true. God will test us to check how we handle situations and Satan will try and ransack our lives until we are a wreck; he will then attempt to kill us, or what we are doing at the time. We've all had times such as these and it's how we handle them, that God is interested in. Jesus said, 'A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure in his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks'. Luke 6:45. So we have to make our hearts a 'controlled area' because, what happens there determines how we respond to each situation. Bob Gass once said, 'An iceberg represents our life! The 10% above the water is your reputation. The 90% below is your character. And, it's what's below the surface that sinks the ship'.

We all have days and weeks, where everything we touch seems to go wrong. This is stress in itself. But when we add to this the many things that we need to do, all at once - TODAY, we begin to become overwhelmed by it all. If we have a short fuse or are easily stressed, this can bring out the worst in us. We need to find a balance and His name is Jesus.

He doesn't want us taking on too much but, let's face it, we often do because we don't want to say no to someone's request. 'It might hurt their feelings'. But what about your own feelings? You have got to take control of your day. He wants us to give Him all of our worries and cares because, He loves us and is concerned that we may take on more than we can handle. 

Each of us has our own measure of coping skills. We know our limitations but often we tend to bend the guidelines a little and get ourselves in a stressful situation. This is where we are going wrong. It is not wrong to say 'no' when we need to; in fact, it is essential at times. When we become stressed and full of pressure at all we have to do or, places to go, it is when the things that are buried within us are exposed and our true feelings let us down. Yes, we need to deal with this and, Jesus will help us if we ask Him. But, first of all we have to take stock of ourselves and let our 'no' mean 'no', even if it offends. Some people will take and take if we allow them to so, now is the time to take control. Once we do, we will be ready to deal with the hidden things below the surface.                         

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, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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From small things to victory

 "Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said 'There is a cloud as small as a man's hand rising out of the sea'"  1 Kings 18:44  NKJV

Elijah had just had victory over the prophets of Baal adding further anger from Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah met with Ahab and told him to eat and drink because the drought was about to end. Ahab did this and Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel and prayed that it may, once again rain. He sent his servant to go and look toward the sea for a weather check. There was no sign of rain. But Elijah persisted in prayer. Again and again he sent his servant to check but it was the same story - no rain. On the seventh time, the servant reported that there was a cloud as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea. Excited, Elijah sent his servant to tell Ahab to to prepare his chariot and head off to safety before he was cut off by the rain. Elijah, gathered himself and also set off running and because the Lord was with him, he actually beat Ahab back home.

Just check this out; there was a small cloud rising from the sea but that was all the faith-filled Elijah needed. He knew there would be rain - lots of it. Remember, small acorns turn into great oak trees. Zechariah 4:10 says, 'For who has despised the day of small things.' Things may not be great at the moment but, don't give up, things will get better. Small is ok to start with but, faith turns it into big. Remember, Walt Disney began with a mouse, now look at that organisation. Do you get the idea? It would have been so easy for Elijah to give up after the first 3 or 4 attempts at prayer, but he persisted and received the reward. 

Amazingly, Elijah went into depression shortly after this adventure. Ahab had told Jezebel all about what had happened and she was seeking Elijah's life. Elijah ran away and ended up in the wilderness and sat under a broom tree. He prayed and asked God to take his life (1 Kings19:4-5). God sent His angel to touch him. He fed him and gave him water. Very soon after this, the LORD said to Elijah, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?' 19:9. Sometimes after a great time of ministry, we can become burnt out and, this can lead us to feel sorry for ourselves, like Elijah was here. We need God to speak to us in such a way, breathing proactive-ness into us with encouraging words. This worked for Elijah and he eventually went on his way.

There's a lesson to learn here, Listen to God not, your fears. Jezebel had inflicted great fear upon him because he had listen to this report sent by this evil woman. Don't listen to it. Decide there and then, whose report are you going to believe, God's or bad reports and the gossips of the world. Remember, God's word builds you up, Satan's doesn't.

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, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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Give & Give = Receive & Receive

"For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.'" 

                                                                           v14 of 1 Kings 17:8-24  NKJV

Obedience will always bring provision. There may be a waiting period but, it will come. Elijah had told the evil King Ahab that there would be a drought until he commanded otherwise. Because of the danger he was in from Ahab and Jezebel. God told him to get away from there and hide by the Brook Cherith; He promised Elijah that He would command ravens to feed him and that he could use the brook to drink out of. 

The key to releasing heaven's power is to do exactly what God tells us to do. You will always miss your place of divine provision when you stop listening to God and start relying on yourself.

After a while, the brook dried up because of the drought so, God told Elijah to go to Zarephath where he would find a widow to provide for him. This he did and on arrival, he met with the widow. Initially, he asked her for water but as she was going for this, he asked her to bring him a morsel of bread. She told him the truth, she had no bread, just a small amount of flour in a tin and a few drops of oil. Elijah gave her a test of faith; he asked her to go and do as she was going to do - bake some bread for herself and her son but, to bring him a cake first. Notice, he wanted her to serve him first which would have been quite difficult for her to do under the circumstances. He told her that the flour for her tin would not be exhausted and that the oil would not run dry until the day God sends rain upon the land again. She did as Elijah asked and the blessing began, the flour tin was always full and she had enough oil each day. 

Now a short time after, the widow's son became very ill and died v17. She was understandably upset, especially with Elijah - she had taken care of him but this was how she was treated. Elijah, instantly took the boy in his arms to the upper room and called on God for this unfair treatment. He stretched himself out on the boy 3 times calling out to God for His help. Finally, the LORD heard his prayer and gave the son life. 

Now, first of all the persistence of Elijah in prayer. Never give up, keep praying The widow had to trust God with all she had and she was given an instant reward from God. As often happens, the devil can rob us of our blessing as he did here - her son died. But God intervened and used Elijah to restore him back to life. What a blessing.

Notice though, God's plan is for us to give first (Matt 6:33) and He will then bless us in return. This is an excellent example of how God wants us to give what we have - a tithe, even though it may hurt and put you under fear and pressure just like the widow was. When we do this, God always gives us a return.

Question - Do you give tithes and offerings? If you don't, you are missing out on being blessed - totally. Give it some thought! Give and receive.

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, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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

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