FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST

It was my wife’s birthday, and a friend surprised her with a beautiful bouquet of roses. As I sat across from her, I could smell their beautiful fragrance. “What a picture of a true Christian,” I thought. The Bible tells us “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” A Christian, like the flowers, should be overflowing with a fragrance of Christ. But what happens when another person’s words or actions hurt us? It is very easy to respond harshly when we or a loved one is hurt. We can say things we regret and be even more destructive than we realize at the moment.

Christ loved us even while we were still lost in sin. Because we have received that undeserved love, we can extend it to those who wound us. His love in us becomes a healing fragrance that brings peace instead of pain, restoration instead of division, and hope instead of despair. Choose patience over anger. Offer kindness instead of retaliation. When we live this way, our lives become a testimony that points others to the One whose love never fails. No matter what wounds you carry or what fresh hurts may come, let Christ’s love flow through you. In a world full of bitterness, be the sweet aroma that draws people to Jesus.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You will help me to always be like Christ when I am hurting. Help me to forgive and love everyone as Christ has loved me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

USE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE

            One Sunday a pastor got up to begin the Sunday morning service and realized the pianist was absent. He asked his congregation, “Is there anyone here who can play the piano?” A little girl held up her hand and said, “Yes, preacher. My daddy plays.” Though a regular member, no one realized the man could play the piano. He went to the piano and played each hymn – with one finger. After the service the minister realized that the “pianist” was embarrassed and went to him to apologize. As they talked, the minister learned the man was a famous surgeon who deeply loved the Lord and was willing to use every talent God gave him whenever he could.

                God has given every one of us different gifts, abilities, and talents. We may think that some of them are important while we see others as insignificant. But in God’s eyes they are all critical in our service to Him. The real question is whether we are willing to use everything we have for His glory. Take an honest look at what God has placed in your hands. It may be a professional skill, a simple ability, a listening ear, or a heart of encouragement. Whatever it is, do not hold back. Use everything you have, right where you are, for the Lord who gave it to you. Even the smallest gift, offered with a willing heart, becomes valuable in His service.

Prayer: Father, open my eyes that I may see the needs around me, and with Your help, meet them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

– Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 1 Timothy 4:14

DENIABILITY

 Years ago, one of the most popular television shows was Mission Impossible. It invited viewers inside of a fascinating intelligence operation to observe the work of highly trained individuals. Jim, the hero, would step into a phone booth, find a tape and play it. The tape would describe a dangerous, life-threatening operation. At the conclusion of the tape, a voice would say, “Jim, in case you choose to accept this assignment, please remember that we will deny that we knew you.” That line perfectly captured the idea of deniability - the act of disowning any connection or responsibility.

God has given every Christian a very special mission. Jesus said in His final command to His disciples: “Go and make disciples” and He makes it unmistakably clear: “I am with you always.” This assurance changes everything about how we live out our mission. We can speak with confidence, love with boldness, and serve with joy because we know we are never alone. When we step out in obedience to share His love and truth, He walks with us. As we witness to our family members, our coworkers, our friends, our neighbors, even strangers, we can be confident that Jesus is there with us. As we faithfully carry out His command to make disciples, we can rest securely in the truth that Jesus is with us -  always.

Prayer: Lord, increase my confidence in You, knowing that You are with me and that Your Spirit empowers me to do Your work. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

– Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:16-20

WRONG WREATH

            A local businessman was excited to open his new office. A friend, wanting to celebrate with him, sent a beautiful floral arrangement. When the businessman walked in on his first day, he was shocked to see a large wreath with the words “Rest in Peace” prominently displayed. Upset and angry, he immediately called the florist, demanding to know who had played such a cruel joke. The florist quickly realized the mistake and apologized. “Unfortunately,” he added, “there is a man buried in the cemetery who has a wreath on his grave that reads ‘Good luck in your new location.’” 

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to be in the “wrong” place many times - locked in prison, caught in storms at sea, beaten, and stoned. Yet he never wasted time complaining about his circumstances. Instead, he learned a deep secret: “I have learned to be content wherever I am.” He was convinced that he was exactly where God wanted him to be, and that God Himself was with him in every situation.  One day, when our work on earth is finished, we have the same confident hope Paul had. We will leave these earthly bodies and step into the worthwhile new home God has prepared for us.

 

Prayer: Lord, we are grateful that You will never leave us or forsake us no matter where we are or what is going on in our lives as long as we are faithful to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

FINDING THE BEST

            A doctor was reviewing his list of patients, and said to his nurse, “I can’t understand it. We had more patients last year than we have had this year. I wonder where they are going.” “Rather than worry,” said his nurse, “let’s hope for their best.”

            In the routines of life, it's easy to settle for hoping things turn out for the best. Yet, we have the best – the gift of God’s salvation. His provision in the present and His promise for eternity. David, writing in Psalm 23 said, “You (God) prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies.” No matter how difficult our days or how dark our nights, God will provide for our every need.

            And Jesus said, “…if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” When our life on earth ends and we have completed the work that He has for us to do, we have His Word that He will take us to be with Him forever. This transforms mere hope into confident assurance: God cares for us fully now, sustaining us through every trial, and will one day welcome us home forever, where His best is realized without end in His unchanging love. We simply need to ask as did the thief on the cross: “Lord, remember me.”

 

Prayer: Father, we ask for Your salvation now and the assurance of life with You in heaven. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43