Fragrance of Jesus

Sometimes we say, “I stunk”, when we don’t meet our expectations at some task. We will even say that other people stunk when they did not do something particularly well. Somehow odor and performance have become linked.

II Corinthians 2:14 says, “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” When we follow Jesus, we will walk in victory over selfish desires or sin. And we give off the aroma of Jesus to those around us, meaning that others will be attracted to Jesus as they sense His presence in us. How closely we walk with Jesus determines how much of Jesus people observe in us, in other words, how much of Jesus’ fragrance we offer them. If we walk with Jesus, God promises to give us the victory over our old sinful ways and the “sweet smell” of victory in Jesus.

From Faith to Compassion

The Bible tells the story of four men with faith. Their friend was a paralytic and very little help was available to him. They heard that Jesus was in town and they knew that He was reported to have done many miracles. They seized the opportunity to bring their friend to Jesus, believing that Jesus could heal him. When they arrived at Jesus’ location they found the way to Jesus blocked by a big crowd. That didn’t stop their faith, however.

Mark 2:3-5 says, “And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, you sins are forgiven.'” A heart full of faith always leads to a concern for and a sacrifice for those who are hurting. These four men believed that Jesus could heal their friend, so they sacrificed their time and efforts to bring their friend to Jesus. Their hearts full of faith and concern for their friend told them what they could do. Let’s let faith in Jesus move our hearts to compassion for those who are hurting or in need.

“I Am the One”

Isaiah 28;16 says, “therefore, thus sys the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.'” God established the saving truth of faith in Jesus. It is the basis of all truth and salvation. Self-effort in haste to make oneself proud does not benefit the soul or grant personal redemption. Belief in God’s chosen foundation for truth and redemption is the only wa#l

Restore and Comfort

What do we do when we have a conflict on our job? Do we seek revenge or try to humiliate the other person? What about when we have a conflict in our family? Do we try to do the same things, or perhaps, we just separate ourselves from the family member? What if we have a conflict within the church? What should we do then?

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” Two statements are fundamentally true for the believer in Jesus Christ. We demonstrate faith in Him by loving one another and living within the peace and love of God. God calls us to live in peace with one another, letting the love of Christ rule over us rather than self-centeredness that causes conflict and separates us from each other. Living within the love and peace of God we are able to restore and comfort one another.

Out With the Old, In With the New

I was thinking about what happens to our bodies when we get sick. A virus or bacteria often attacks us and is able to make us feel bad. When we go to the doctor, they prescribe some medicine or process to get rid of the attacking villain and replace it with healthy cells. Sometimes we can do the same with mental concerns and emotional issues. We get rid of the bad thoughts and replace them with new more pleasant images.

Ezekiel 36:26 says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” God gives the new believer a new heart and a new spirit so that we can live as He desires, which is also the kind of life we truly desire as well. At times we can fall back into old sinful behaviors or thoughts. Then we need to confess those sins and allow God to bring forth the new heart and spirit that He has already given us. It will be His Spirit renewing and empowering us to live in righteousness and to bear fruit in keeping with our new hearts and spirits, thereby glorifying God.