Smells Like...Holy Spirit

When I am in the library reading magazines and I come across one of those fragrance strips that appeals to me…I look around all secretive-like and then brush my wrist across the paper.  I want to carry that fragrance with me, making others think, “Wow, she smells good!  Where can I get some of that?" Wouldn’t they be surprised to know?  Of course, there are other fragrances that I would be more likely to call an ‘odor’.  Those do not get rubbed on my skin.

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. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2: 14-16

In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul draws a comparison between Christ’s followers and long ago war heroes.  When a victorious leader would return to his home city, a parade of triumph would be held in his honor.  The parade was made up of fearless warriors and important people of the city, as well as prisoners of war.  The incense that was burned during this merriment smelled sweet to those celebrating the victory.  To the prisoners it was anything but sweet.  For them, the incense was a reminder of their lasting captivity or impending death.

To those who are believers, or who are responding the Gospel, the fragrance of Christ is the sweet aroma of life.  To those who reject Christ, it is the odor of death; a reminder of the vacant place within their souls that can only be filled by the very One they refuse to follow.  

Do you want to be a diffuser of Christ’s fragrance every where you go?  Within your own strength that is impossible.  It is only with Christ in you, the hope of glory, that He can be seen (and smelled) by others.  Draw near to Him, walk closely behind Him in the shadow of His wings, let His hand rest upon you every hour of the day (Psalm 63:7-8). Then, and only then, will others find the fragrance of Christ around you.  Make them want to rub it on their wrists.

Prayer: 

Father, thank you for allowing me to be a diffuser of Your fragrance to those around me.  When others respond in a negative way, please give me the grace and strength to respond as Jesus did while on earth.  Amen.: 

Challenge: 

Consider making your 2012 spiritual goal one of being a great smelling believer.  Find a partner and encourage one another to be like Jesus in every area of life.

Jen G. 2012

More of Him

by Julie C. 2011

Our 4 1/2 month old border collie puppy could teach me some lessons on being passionate for my Master. Before I am completely conscious in the morning, my ears hear his little "it's time to get up" whimpers prompting me out of bed. As my feet hit the floor his exuberant greeting nearly knocks me over! All he wants is to be near me...touching me...loving on me....after all it's been all night since we last spent time together!!! He is so excited that we are once again together!! I open the door to let him out and he scurries to do his business and hurries back to the door...he just wants to be with me! This morning I fed him in the kitchen and then took my coffee to the den to find a quiet place to read. When he realized I was not in the kitchen he left his full dish of breakfast to find me. He stayed in the den with me, bringing his toy to my lap.  His desire was to be where I was and to be as close to me as possible!

Recently our pastor preached on "are you an average Christian?" He shared the meaning of "average": the best of the worst and the worst of the best, the hottest of the cold and the coldest of the hot (could that be "lukewarm?"). He said if we are content with ourselves that is not normal and that is not good! Holiness is something God has given us and also something we must continually strive for.

Pastor encouraged us to be passionate for more of God. He said that God has already given us all of the Holy Spirit--the question is--how much of us does He have? The Christian life is one of continual growing in grace and knowledge. We must not settle for less than Christlikeness!

As we look forward to the new year ahead may we meditate on the words of my wise pastor. May we take the measures we need to change, to grow, to become all we can be for our Lord and Savior. Every waking moment we must pursue God and learn of His character with passion and determination. Sort of like an exuberant puppy pressing in for more relationship, more intimacy, more time with his Master. And by the way, that puppy's name just happens to be... "Loyal."

Prayer:
Father God, as the new year begins may I begin afresh to run after You.  May my heart be turned to Your goodness and holiness every moment of every day.  May my actions and my faith walk hand in hand as I strive to be holy as You are holy.  Amen.
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Challenge:
Take the time to read the following Scripture references: I Peter 1:13-16, Hebrews 10:10,14 Hebrews 12:14, Acts 19:17-20, Rev. 3, Romans 13:14, Matt. 25:31-40.  Allow the Lord to speak to your heart and show you areas that are not steeped in His holiness. 

A good read - The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.