psst: we are sharing additional resources at the end of this post!
Text: Psalm 119:153-176, Proverbs 4:20-22, 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, Acts 4:23-31
It is the Story.
It is the word and breath of God.
It is the power of God.
It is living.
It is enduring.
It is for hearing and telling.
This is the Bible.
As those who have heard the Story – who have been changed by the Word, who have received new life from the very breath of God, who know its power and its aliveness, who believe in its unbreakable-ness and hope – ours is the privilege of carrying it to others.
Now, here is where I want you to lean in close, because this is the part where we – where I – can easily misunderstand. We are not God’s salespeople. In fact, do you know how His Word speaks of us, of those who carry the message of the Gospel? It calls us “the aroma of Christ.” The Bible says Christ Himself leads us on, “and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15, emphasis added).
An aroma is not an argument. A aroma is not a list that can be checked off on paper or a perfectly rehearsed pitch. An aroma is something experienced. It transforms the air simply because of what it is.
Sisters, we are the aroma of Christ.
Not peddlers of a way of life.
Not salespeople for a system of beliefs.
We are those commissioned by God to transform the very air in which we live, not because of who we are but because of who He is. And who He is is the same God from that scene from the Book of Acts, when the Holy Spirit answered the early Church’s cry: “Lord… grant [us] to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30, emphases added)
It truly is all about Him. And what He’s all about is love.
Mercy. Grace. Wholeness. Justice. Redemption. Hope. These are the things that should come from our steeping our souls in God’s Word. We are not to wield it as a weapon to beat the unbelieving into submission. We are simply to hold out Christ.
Christ in the cup of water we hand to the thirsty stranger.
Christ in the sitting quietly on the sofa of a lonely neighbor.
Christ in our arms and hands as we lift the burden of a weary friend.
If this is the Bible – if all we’ve read these past 9 days is true – then this is our next step: “To grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) and to be the fragrance of a merciful God to an aching world.
Lord, may it be so. Amen.
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124 thoughts on "it is a merciful fragrance"
Lord, please enable me to carry your fragrance with me wherever I go. Please enable me to especially bring your aroma to my family. I need to have an attitude like Christ’s… One of humility. Thank you for your word Lord!
God, just give me boldness and work through me to touch the lives of those around me, give my life a purpose to serve you .
I pray for boldness every day. His influence in our lives should be evident through our words and actions.
I’ve really been convicted to be more bold in sharing the gospel. I’ve realized that I have a perfect platform for it at college but I haven’t taken the opportunity. Please pray for me today that I don’t share my own ideas but offer to people Christ. Pray that I have courage.
Elisa, I will pray you have the boldness of Paul! He didn’t pray for safety, did he? He prayed for boldness and endurance. Praying you have opportunities where the Word ministers so specifically to people you are talking to that they would be intensely drawn to the Spirit of Christ and to His living Bible. Praying for private moments to share. Praying for public moments where the Truth comes out because you cannot help it! Praying for many, many students and teachers to take what you say as the aroma of Christ to LIFE.
Loved that! We are not salespeople shoving Christianity down people’s throats – that can and does turn others away. Be a fragrance! Be present, be an example.
Love this, Tara! Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
An aroma is something experienced. It transforms the air simply because of what it is.
“Steep on the word of God”!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Not because of who we are, but because of who He is.” Amen, amen!
Thank you for helping me fall in love with God’s word once again!
Thank You, SRT! This stuck: we are a sweet aroma to God…an aroma is not an argument, nor a checklist…it transforms the air around us. HE transforms. O Lord, may You be magnified, not I.
Enjoyed this 9 days. Such a blessing!
These whole 9 days of study has made me realized that God is really there and that we really are the “aroma” God
Lord, I love YOU!! This whole study has opened my eyes to so many new things. I am so inspired by You and all You are doing in me and in all the ladies here. Thank you so, so much Lord!!
Amen!
Wow, so powerful! Praise God!
This is so inspiring. We don’t just go about advertising Christianity in the most appealing way possible, because that would lead to lies such as saying it will make you life easier all the time. We are to show what Christ is through our actions and attitude as well. We are to be salt and light in the way that we live as well as the things that we say.
Wow this is amazing! “Aroma” and “transforming the air simply because of what is” could not be a more perfect mental picture for me to see how to live out His word
I was suffering with a bout of insomnia and decided to not fight it anymore. Got up to this beautiful devotion in my mailbox. What a lovely thought ~ we are the aroma of God. So sweet and pleasing. But am I always. Sometimes I'm really stinky smelly. I need to be sure I am cautious of my aroma. To be what He wants and show others what His love can do for anyone as long as they want to walk with Him. I am not a salesperson. I have been commissioned BY GOD to transform the air in which I live because if who He is! Wow! That is not always easy and takes me being very mindful of each breath, step and word. Thank you #SRT, Amanda for this. Really what I needed today and every day. http://www.lgnetworksinc.com
Loved this reading plan! Can’t wait to start a new one!
Loved today’s passage and devotional! The metaphors to the aroma are spot on. Gods love will seep from us, it is so powerful that there is no need to sell it to others. Act in the way, just be, and others will notice.
Go ye therefore and touch your surrounding people with that sweet fragrance of Christ. Point people to Jesus. Glory be unto our Lord Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
I LOVE that. We are an aroma of Christ. We are to be examples, not God’s soapbox.
This reading today gave me great hope and a new understanding of how we are the aroma of Christ. I’m thankful for it tenfold.
Thoroughly enjoyed learning about the wonderful truths of Gods word!! What an excellent way to wrap up this study…Lord help me to be an aroma in this world to led the lost to you!
I’ve truly been blessed and fed over these past 9 days! Amen!
Ugh. I was not ‘aromatic’ today. I was probably pretty rank in my aroma- like garbage. Here’s praise for a God who’s mercies are new everyday. I will sleep in hope of that.
Today I read ‘why do the the nations rage and the people plot in vain?’ The day that my country is split by a yes/no vote. So thankful for these words this morning and a living powerful God.
Proverbs 4:23
Taking words of wisdom into the heart is of the greatest importance because out of the heart flow all the thoughts, words, and choices of a persons life!
When I think about the Christians I know the ones who live an aromatic life are the ones I respect and appreciate far more than the ones who spout off scripture but don’t have a heart for it. It is the aromatic ones who’s gentle encouragement is brining me back to the word.
Lord, give me the words and the courage to speak your word with great boldness! Oh, how I struggle greatly with this at times! Especially out loud!
Amen! ❤️
“An aroma is not an argument”. Very well said. I think we’ve established that His Word is powerful and whole on its own. I loved this call to action, I’ve never heard it described so beautifully. Thank you!!
Thanks for joining us, Charli! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
Love it
This is true but sisters it is SO important that we share the gospel. Not everyone is called to be an evangelist but we are all called to be witnesses. We are not peddling a product, we are sharing the same life saving message that someone shared with us. Be a fragrant aroma, love people, serve them, be the “little Christ” (Christian) that God call us to be. Share the incredible undiluted gospel as God calls us to!
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 ES
You speak truth sister! I completely agree! Although I would say that we are all called to be evangelists in that Jesus called all his followers to make disciples of all the nations :)
Amen! We are created in Gods imagine. The HS brings forth Gods love, grace & all His character through us. I love the saying “Actions speak louder than words” BE Christ and the rest will fall into place. Y’all are so encouraging! Speak LOVE. xo
As I was reading through the scripture, I kept thinking, flowers don’t do ANYTHING to have their beautiful scent. The are just being who they are and they smell lovely. So we, as Christians, should soak in the lovely aroma of Christ and just be who we are in Him!
But what about Matthew 28:19-20? I don’t interpret that verse to say “be the aroma”, I interpret it as “go do something, preach my word to others and transform people to believing in me”. I agree we are to be he aroma in our everyday lives, but it seems like God has also called some of us to be “salespeople”
I don’t think He has called us to be sales people. He asks us to share Him with others, to be the aroma of a changed, God-filled life and let Him do His work. Yes we should share the gospel, but we can no more make someone believe then we can make a flower grow from a seed. We are the planters (sharing the gospel) the waterers (being the (authentic)aroma of Christ) and HE is the grower. :-)
I definitely get what you’re saying. We are meant to purposefully tell people about Jesus. I’m just not sure if salesperson is quite synonymous with evangelist. Like Ashley said, it’s God that makes the seed grow. All we do is plant and water it. When a salesperson makes a pitch, it’s all about how the salesperson performs. It’s up to them to drive the sale home. But when we tell people about Jesus, we can only do that. We can’t persuade them to “buy Jesus.” Only the Holy Spirit can “drive the sale home” so to speak.
This study has touched me and has once again made the Bible come alive to me. I’m so thankful for these devotionals!
I was reminded of this yesterday as I spoke to a new neighbor. Does my attitude, voice, character reflect the aroma of Christ? It should be so much that I don’t have to say “I’m a Christian”, but that I live “I’m a Christian”.
Such a great point Jennifer! Our biggest testimony should be that our lives should reflect and give off the “aroma” of Christ!
Love. So encouraging. An aroma is experienced… Not shoved in your face, no need to draw attention to it, because it just is and it’s obvious. God, help me be your true and willing servant.
Amen!!! Thanks for joining us today, Beth!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So good! Aroma just IS, it isnt forced!
I needed this exact lesson today
So happy to hear that God is encouraging you through this study, Ashton! We love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Amen.
❤️❤️
Thanks for joining us today, McKenna! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
“An aroma is something experienced. It transforms the air simply because of what it is.” Wow. I love that…aromas are powerful. Have you ever smelt something & it instantly take you back to a distant memory that you had completely forgotten about? You can remember where you were, who was there, how old you were, how you felt…I’ve never thought of the Word this way. May all that read it soak up the aroma, allow it to change us & carry it everywhere we go so that others are drawn, not to us, but to the aroma like no other…the life-giving, life-changing Word itself.
Hi, Kendall! I love what you said about aromas-they can be so powerful! It\’s amazing to think about The Word this way. Thanks for sharing with us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Amen. That is my heart’s cry. To be a pleasing aroma.
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I love reading & experiencing she reads truth !!! So anointed & real!!!
I'm just now finishing this study, tonight. My hands are in the air, praising and surrendered. I am so humbled and thankful that I am privileged to be the aroma of Christ. What a blessing and a challenge. May others experience Christ through me because I am DAILY seeking to first hand experience Christ intimately!
Amen to that Deb…I am completely in awe and so so thankful that God has been so patient and kind toward me on my journey so far. Every minute of every day I want him there with me :-)
I just wanted to thank you all for your incredible comments and sharing your hearts with everyone. It is SO helpful and encouraging to walk this path with all of you, Sisters. God bless xoxo
We are not God's salespeople… Because truth does not need convincing! I pray that God's word fills our tongue and we are able to speak his message!
Today's devotion may very well be the most meaningful one I've ever read on SRT and speaks to the very heart of my heart. I'm so grateful for the easy, graceful way our writers capture the essence of scripture. "Sisters, we are the aroma of Christ. Not peddlers of a way of life. Not salespeople for a system of beliefs…. We are simply to hold out Christ." This perfectly describes the disciple I want to be. I want to reveal Christ through my actions, behavior, choices, words, and reactions. I don't want to just recite and live a list of rules or a system of beliefs held by a specific type of church. When I look closely at all the comments and actions and choices from the so-called believers I have met in my life, when I turn a sharp focus toward my own comments, actions, and choices, the only relevant question is: "Am I holding out Christ?" That's truly all that matters. This speaks to a very personal relationship with Christ. This is so wonderfully convicting, a very dear blessing today.
When you spend time each day breathing in the love, grace, and Word of God – you can't help but breathe it out! When your heart is filled with that love and with gratitude for all His blessings – you can't help but share it with others. It's a natural reaction! Not something that feels forced. Not a sales pitch. Just… a natural reaction.
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Wow… God is SO faithful.
Today, I woke up, groggy and ready to get into the "routine" of reading God's word. I prayed that the Lord would speak to me through the passage and that satan's attempts at distracting me would prove defective, and while I was not really that distracted, today felt like I totally lagged in my time with the Lord: it was Genesis 10, and although the concept of bloodlines and generations has always really enthralled me, today I felt as if I could only soak up so much. I didn't take it to heart or let it get absorbed in me, and I didn't wait for God to let it turn that heart of cracked clay into a heart of flesh.
Whenever this happens, I get to feeling tired and a tad frustrated with myself. At one point, I prayed in exasperation, "Lord, help me to want you! I'm so tired! Forgive me; I can't do this on my own! I need you!" The thought to skip SRT– "I don't have enough time, it's just ANOTHER thing I HAVE to do" — came to mind, and though I was tempted to let it slide by so that I could get to "my important work," I logged on, pushed the cereal aside, and read. Here I was completely reminded of the goodness of God, and how sweet (read: NOT A BURDEN) it is to follow Christ. More than this, being frustrated with my lack of fervor in bible study this morning and at eating my cereal when I had resolved to fast today melted away at the fact that it's not up to ME. Everyone's comments filled me with tears of joy and compassion, and completely renewed in me that feeling of passion for Christ and His work. This devo was completely God-given and needed today. I'm so thankful.
It reminded me of a girl, who but a week ago entered my life through nothing but the loving work of God. She was so full of the Holy Spirit, so naturally full of love, and so simply and sweetly in love with God, that it brought me to tears when I recognized that I used to be that way and had drifted from it. Christ exuded from her, and she couldn't help but give off the most potent, beautiful aroma ever because of it. That night, her and I became fast friends, and Christ reminds me of His love through her a lot. God is slowly but surely working me back into this place of abiding, submission, and letting his love work in and through me instead of trying. I was reminded of His sweetness, and how like David says, "For those who love what you reveal, everything fits— no stumbling around in the dark for them" (Psalm 119:165, the Message). How natural and GOOD it really is.
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and your never-failing kindness and mercy toward me. Praise you. Keep me from getting in the way of being your Aroma. Girls, be blessed. Let us be the aroma of Christ– not by any of our own efforts, but ONLY because of Christ showing us His love first.
I love this! I am a salesperson by trade (we have a small family business) and this spoke right to my soul. I never want to be a peddler of Christ. Dear Lord, please allow me to be that beautiful aroma of love that is who Christ Jesus is. This is my prayer today, and always.
Dear ladies, please lift up my friend Veronica today as she undergoes surgery on a brain tumor. Our God is the Creator who hears and answers prayer, and is always victorious. May His Glory shine all around her. Thank you. x
AMEN, sue. And praying with you for your friend. God is good, faithful and loving towards His children……bless you Sue…x x
Sue, I pray for your friend Veronica, her family, and friends that you all may find comfort, and healing during this time. Remember to ask God for mercy, it is written Christ bore our inequities on the cross. So his covenant with us includes mercy, just call upon the Holy Spirit also called the Comforter. Ask him to comfort you; he will.
Blessings!
"Mercy. Grace. Wholeness. Justice. Redemption. Hope. These are the things that should come from our steeping our souls in God’s Word. We are not to wield it as a weapon to beat the unbelieving into submission. We are simply to hold out Christ."
This part really spoke to my Spirit this morning! When I saw the word "steeping" a light clicked on for me. We are to be so saturated with Christ's aroma that the scent just naturally wafts off of us. It's like when someone is barbecuing in the summertime, the scent travels for miles and makes your mouth water. In the same way people will smell our aroma through how we show God's love and say "I have to find out what has them smelling so good." Bless you SRT Sisters for providing revelation to a girl who is working to get her Godly fragrance right.
Be blessed, Steph. Your words are hugely blessing, here!
May you be blessed too Anna Lee! All glory goes to God who pulled me out of the cement like state of my sins and cleaned me up. I thought I was past the point of no return, BUT GOD! I would be remiss if I didn't testify and share about His ever abounding grace and mercy!
I didn't want to read all this today. I have felt broken the past few days, and just didn't want to. But I felt the nudge of God, and did anyway. Thank all of you so much for sharing here. I can now ask for, and receive, His grace and mercy to fill my cracked vessel. I can feel the peace already. Praise Him.
Lori, you are so incredibly loved. I too didn't want to read this today, because I felt the pressure of life and was frustrated with my own self, but God is faithful… and He always wants us to rest and be replenished in Him. Praying that whatever you're going through would be illuminated by the light of God, and that you'd run to Him. I pray He'd give you wisdom, insight, and strength to walk through this tough season with Him. Be blessed, sister. Hugs your way.
I used to be in sales, and I can tell you I was absolutely terrible. It comes with so much pressure attempting to convince people to view your product as you do, convince them they can't live without out it, etc. etc. The lesson today provided me with a sigh of relief . . . . I don't have to sell God or his redeeming power to anyone. As said in earlier comments, I have often felt that the leaders of our church have always tried to send us out to sell God. I was visiting a church in South Haven, MIssissippi once and I recall the pastor making this statement, "Before people will trust what you want to share, you have to be willing to get in their boat." Don't asked them to follow you, before they know you. When they KNOW you, they will be more willing to listen. And here is where the "aroma" enters . . . as they come to KNOW us they will smell the sweet aroma of Jesus, and they will want it too. What a blessing this Psalm 119 has been. Thank you ladies for all that you share. Sometimes I wish we could all just sit down in a room and share our thoughts, hugs, and prayers for each other. Have a wonderful, glorious day!
Amen Shelia! "Don't ask them to follow you, before they know you." If they don't know Jesus and therefore don't follow Him, this should be our natural conclusion– and how I make it about me, how well I do "selling" it, makes me sigh and chuckle at our silly/full of flesh I really am. Lord, fill me up with love. Show me who you want me to love and be with today.
I am so inspired by this – by my sisters here – by the writers of these posts. I love that we have been digging deeper into scripture and feeding our hungry souls. I love that we are no longer living on the trickle of water, but bathing in the spring of Living Water. These dry bones have been given new life – my steps have been quickened. Thank you SRT for staying faithful to the One who has stayed faithful to you. God bless you as you move onto the next adventure and thank you for taking us all along for the ride.
We're inspired by all of YOU. Thank you for your loving words of support and thank you especially for your presence here each day. So grateful for this community.
Amen, Janee. This whole community of sisters is bearing so much wonderful, good fruit and emitting so much of this sweet aroma of Christ in my life– what a blessing this community is to me and to others. Thank you for allowing God to work in and through you all. So blessed, so thankful.
The one job I've always abhorred is cold calling sales and I'd be honest to say that spreading the gospel has always felt much like a sales position. I need a paradigm shift in how I translate (accept the truth of) this verse. If I believe it is God working through me, the. weight of making or loosing the sale is all over, because it is in the "Bosses" control not mine.
I pray that I will not get in the way of being a sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. I'm so thankful when God's word pokes me to grow.
Amen, Valanne. Lord, don't let me get in the way of being your sweet fragrance.
Let it ooze out of us…of me. Think of alluring aromas–baking bread, fresh sheets in the line in a sunny day, a baby’s neck, a bouquet of roses…none of those things ***try*** to smell good. They just do. And they are unaware of it. Let us unselfconsciously carry His fragrance into an ever more broken world. “Preach the word of Christ at all times; if necessary, use words…”
Amen Leenda! They just do. Let us be as sweet smelling and as effective as these beautiful and awesome blessings from God, not on our own, but in Christ alone. Amen.
Annndddd…. cue the bawling. Amanda, God uses you to speak right into my soul. In the past I've been that person who argues, who personally brings down every thought that presents itself against God. Not my own though. Of course not! I've been "that girl" the one who God seriously doesn't need (read:want) as a mouthpiece.
And then, I dunno… something happened. I made a switch. I'd like to say it happened around the same time I began at SRT, although I know it was happening all along. I began to let these words sink in. I began to allow the Living Word of God change me. I wanted to be in relationship, not a rule follower.
I'd been a rule follower a long time.
But now things are different. I'm not chasing grace. I'm covered by it. Run as I may, I'm still covered. That has been the turning point where I relax and say Lord fill me up that You may be poured out. Because it's HIM that is poured out and not me. When I try to follow the rules and do it all in my strength…. it smells burnt. Because I'm burned out, badly. When I fill myself up in the Word, in encouraging books, in beautiful blogs, I realize first that I'm not alone, that I can't do it all alone, that I'm not meant to do it alone. I allow the fresh water of the Word to wash over me. I become fragrant.
Like Romans 10:17 says… faith comes by hearing. Hearing the Word. Normally the Word of God in the New Testament means logos (written word of God), this word is Rhema (spoken word of God).
The Rhema word that jumps off the page and speaks to you. The Rhema that turns the light on. The Rhema that fills your hunger.
The verse that comes to mind about this Rhema Word is John 8:31-33. It's an If/Then statement.
If you remain in my word, you are my disciples. then you will know the truth.
Sisters, it's only the truth that you know! That.You.Know.
Not what I know or the SRT Ladies know or what Jen Hatmaker knows, or what Billy Graham knows. It's the truth that YOU know that sets you free! Amen!!
Annnddd…cue the applause!!!!! I love this! Love love love this! 'Im not chasing grace. I'm covered by it" "Lord fill me up that You may be poured out'. Your words are so precious to me today. Thank you so much for pouring your heart out in this. I recenty became 'burned out' and now thinking about the 'aroma', wow, I must have stunk. My words were harsh, my spirit was unkind, my vessel had dried out and become musty. Eewww… how awful i have been.
BUT GOD, God in His infinite greatness, can take what was once burned, dried out, crusty and moldy, and pour His Living Water over it, breath new life into it, and wash away the stains of yesterday leaving not a white-washed tomb, but a living-breathing testimony of His faithfulness. We are restored, refreshed and renewed. The old is gone – the new has come. Oh how His promises are good…..
Thank you for inspiring me this morning. Thank you for your sweet words. May God bless you today, with a room to enhance, a neck to hug, and Sister to bless.
Awww, thank you. I just wrote what I felt today, not that I don't do that always, but that's what was flowing out of me today.
You're thoughts.. burned, dried out, crusty, moldy… reminds me of Ezekiel.
3 And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.
And we can say to our dry bones… Hear the Word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God… I will cause breath to enter you. And. You. Shall. Live!
Not be perfect, not be the best, not be who we're aren't, not be a carbon copy of anything, not comparison but…. He causes us to breathe…. it's not our strength. :)
I hope you had a great day. Peaceful and Resting in His Promise
Preach it, sweet friend! Thank you for this. Love to you!
Oh sweet girl…. its so mutual in a stranger who loves you from the internet kind of way! :) Cuz that's not creepy! LOL
In just 12 hours I will sit with coffee in hand and SRT in the other…. preparing for Easter. Prepare the way for The Lord.
Last year y'all did Psalms of Ascent. Oh the notes I have…. just spoke into my soul…. really I should email you. ;)
If we were in the same room, I would hand you a colossal high-five.
Running on our own power leads us to nowhere but burn out. Doing life in the light of Christ? That's life-giving. Amen!
Love this! We are treasures in jars of clay! The enemy thinks that he can put cracks in our jars and cause us to stumble and fall. He thinks that will weaken our resolve, but the Apostle Paul says, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10.
When we get pushed around, bumped, bruised and cracked what happens? What is inside comes pouring out! When we are “hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down”, we spill out the very presence of Jesus Christ and fill the room with His aroma! We then draw attention to Him!
But if we are never shoved, knocked around, or challenged in trials, then the treasure just sits there. It is never shared. It stays hidden. The temptations and trials that come along in our lives do not mean we have been abandoned by the Lord or that He doesn’t love us. Quite the contrary! I don’t believe the Lord puts things on you but I do believe He can make something good out of them. It is because He BELIEVES in YOU as His treasure holder who spills out His presence that He allows these things in your life!
These trials that come along He can control, no doubt, but I heard lately that God can overrule it, undo it, or REDEEM it for His purpose! If it points others to Him, it is worth it. ♥
Amen!
" I don’t believe the Lord puts things on you but I do believe He can make something good out of them."
Thank you for that. I feel the same exact way. We suffer trials because we live in a fallen World, not because God decided to throw a heap of hurt at us. All that was done to me, by others or myself, I fully believe were not in the Will of God. My God – the God of the Bible – would never do to me what was done. BUT, He would redeem it, and purpose it, for His Glory. Without Him, my life would just be another tragic story of rape, abortion, and self-abuse. But with God, its an amazing story of redemption, mercy and grace, and hope. Through Christ, the stench of my past has been refreshed with the scent of forgiveness. My story no longer stinks – it has a sweet sweet aroma that fills the nostrils of those who hear the testimony of what He can do with a life surrendered.
Janee, your words fill me with tears. I love you so much, my friend. You are so dear to me, and I feel like kin to you. And to hear of your testimony in everything you post, to hear your honest and wonderful words, is TRULY such a beautifully sweet aroma to me. I, too, have a history of self abuse, depression and self-hatred, in case I haven't really stated it before in any of my past comments… it was a huge, burdening struggle in my life for a long time, and to know how it feels to recall these troubles as waters that have passed by (Job 11:16-17) is truly such a beautiful testimony. Praise God, for His love endures forever! Love you, my sweet sister!
Wow, Janee…your words, "But with God" carry such tremendous power. You have said, "I will not let the enemy win. I won't let the story end there." Huzzah, friend! You keep letting God write this sweet story of yours!
Candace, you are absolutely right…. we need to be shaken, maybe even stirred a little, to remind us of the sweet treasure that we do have around us, in us and over us…..Thank you for that…..bless you.xx
Yes Candacejo! Your post pairs well with Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Our trials and tribulations make the victory in Christ Jesus that much more sweet smelling. Now we can deeper relate with those who are still lost and struggling with what we used to. If Jesus is a meal, then our tribulations are like a fan that blows the aroma right into the nostrils of the hopeless and broken. Speaking from my experiences, when people find out that I struggled with addiction, depression, and abandonment but made it out by the grace of God, hope springs up like a fountain. Like "Wow if she made it out, then I can too." How wonderful it is to be counted worthy enough to suffer in tribulations all for the glory of God. My new saying is "If you want your bad stuff to make sense, love on God." Romans 5: 3-4 "…, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations produces perseverance and perseverance, character, and character hope."
Amen Steph! Our experiences truly are there to lead others that are struggling with what we struggled with to Christ. Puts everything I'm going through, everything I ever go through, in a whole new, beautiful perspective. Praise the Lord.
This is beautiful. I completely believe that we are the "aroma" and NOT his salespeople. I always think of spreading the Gospel as the childhood song "This Little Light of Mine". I'm gonna let mine shine…Kind of like actions speak louder than words! Our acts of service speak louder about our amazing God than any quoted, rehearsed sales pitch ever would!
Amen Amanda! And just like that Sunday School song, how sweet that Little Light truly is in our lives! Praise the Lord for showing us who He truly is and what He's truly like through the eyes and songs of a child.
I love this. So much. I often find myself wavering between the two: being the fragrance/aroma of Christ vs. trying to persuade others to belief, and this is a reminder that we are free from that need to persuade. We are free to simply be with people and love others, that the power in Christ in us is a fragrant aroma that points them to him. We simply need to be in the Word and Love people.
Yes, Morgan. Amen. It takes off all that pressure of trying and "living up to standards", doesn't it? His yoke really is easy, and He really is GOOD to us.
Amen JessicaLove
Once I was standing talking to mentor of mine we were just sharing the goodness of Gods love together and a sweet smell of flowers went by in the air and she said do you smell that, that’s His reminder that we are His sweet aroma. I’ve thought of that teaching moments so many times and I so long to be His sweet aroma. Thank you Lord that you allow me to be that for you! Be blessed today ladies as you fulfill your roll as the sweet aroma.
Kelda, thank you for sharing! This beautiful moment in your life is so moving– to be reminded of His Holy Presence, of how He delights in you, while you're just naturally talking about God's work is really inspiring and encouraging to hear. How sweet and good is our Lord, and how wonderful His blessing!
I think this gets at the heart of why Christians are hated more and more these days. Because so many are selling the bag of Jesus goods without being in relationship with people. And we aren't living in such a way that exudes the flavor of Jesus and that speaks to the younger generation — through serving others and just being there for them no matter who they are or how they're living, which are things to which the bible calls us. And they feel it. They feel that we want another notch in our "saved by Jesus" belt. And it's a turn-off. Whereas, more would actually come to know Christ, if we just lived in a way that this luring aroma drew people in to the kitchen of our soul, where they would ask "What are you cooking?" and where they would think "That smells amazing! I want some of that!" Instead, we're too busy telling people that the best meal they can ever imagine is waiting for them, and they must take some and enjoy it if they know what's good for them. But that tactic is offensive. So they're putting up walls and thinking, "Your meal doesn't smell THAT much better than mine" and saying, "No thanks. I'll just stick with what I've got." We must live in such a way that what we have is what they want! That they're drawn in naturally, and not dragged in and force-fed.
Lord, thank you for calling me to the city and to love on your people here. May I do it in a loving and overwhelmingly delicious-smelling way!
Wow! Your response is so on point! I loved the food analogy. The meal of Jesus should be desired because of the wonderful aroma it gives off. Unfortunately, nowadays people's faces are being pushed into the plate. This not only makes them not want it, but they make sure to tell others not to try it either.
Your response has been on my heart so much lately. My husband and I were just talking this weekend about the difference in our generation and the generation of our children and what speaks to one or the other. Your analogy is right on. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sheila, I have found the book unChristian to be eye-opening with regard to where the younger generations are in terms of what they need our faith to be about (hint: It's what Jesus calls us to!) vs. what Christians have come to be known for (hint: what we're against, not what we're for, which should be Jesus!). It's very data-driven and yet also anecdotal, a blend that is very helpful for me. Would recommend the read, if you haven't already read it. It's a few years old now, but I think our culture remains and is even more so on point with what the book discusses.
We have that book on our shelf…can't wait to get around to reading it!!
"Whereas, more would actually come to know Christ, if we just lived in a way that this luring aroma drew people in to the kitchen of our soil, where they would ask, "What are you cooking? and where they would think, "That smells amazing! I want some of that!"
This reminds me of so many times in my life where God did big, beautiful, amazing things in respects to saving others– just because I stuck with people, heard their stories, and forgave/loved them through all of it with a love that was not at all human. At times, when they couldn't believe their eyes and ears when I'd tell them I STILL loved them, after all that had happened, all it took was to point to Christ for their hearts to be completely changed by the gospel. I think many people, when hearing of the gospel, really don't ever see the "God SO LOVED the world (YOU)" part. Lately, I've taken my eyes off of what it is to love and stick with people, because of past hurts and also because I've felt the need to separate from those who were hindering my walk with Christ. Father, get my eyes off of me and my attempts at living a Holy life. Get my eyes on YOU, the ONLY being in this universe that can CHANGE me and USE me for the better. Let us all be reminded that it's only in You, Lord, that all things hold together (Col 1:17).
Thank you for that reminder of what we ought to be to the world and what we are. It is true that our aroma is no different and sometimes even stinks.
I think of 2 Cor 2:14-17 from a historical standpoint. Roman generals would parade their war spoils while burning incense for the gods. To the victors, this smell must bhave been glorious; to the captives, it was the smell of slavery and defeat.
To us Christians, our willfully chosen subjection is the aroma of peace, while those on the outside view us with disdain or as weak-minded and simple. How many time as have unbelievers referred to us as "Bible slaves" or the like? As victors, we can take comfort in this aroma.
This is a beautiful concept, drasch. Those on the outside may cast us aside as weak-minded or simple, as you said, but this aroma of Christ is not one that many can ignore. Praying that as we seek the Lord all the more, He'd strengthen and equip us; and that more so, He'd fill us with His Holy Spirit, so that can't help but emit the love and truth of Christ Jesus.
Thank you for tying in some history, Drasch!!
Really love the emphatic "we are not his salespeople." Soooo often that is exactly what we are essentially told by church leaders to be and so often we feel horribly inadequate. Love this.
Amen, Amen, Amen! How small do we think Christ is, if we have to go out and "sell" Him to people? Is this Word not powerful enough? Is God not beautiful enough? You're right – we are inadequate at being salespeople because that's what we were never meant to be in the first place!!
I absolutely love this attention to the phrase "aroma of Christ". So often it feels that BEING the hands and feet is not enough in the small ways – like sitting with a weary friend or choosing to act or speak in a Christ-like way without drawing attention to it, or to scripture. This validates the importance of 'transforming the very air in which we live'. I will carry this with me. Thank you for this, and the whole study.
Incredible devotional. Even more incredible truth. Help me, Lord, to be Your aroma – to change the very air around me, not because of who I am, but because of who You are.
Amanda, AMEN to this beautifully written, and great end to a fantastic 9 days of 'This is the Bible'……….Thank you!!!
It is the Story.
It is the word and breath of God.
It is the power of God.
It is living.
It is enduring.
It is for hearing and telling.
This is the Bible.
Ours is the privilege of carrying it to others……I love that!!!
And what a privilege it is or so it should be…..but I have fear! Fear of people's reactions, their responses, I don't like confrontation …. I can easily talk to fellow believers, no problem! I can easily (well, most) ( working on it) love my fellow man, I can do forgiving, sometimes( working on that too), kindness,most of the time…..before I go any further, you know what I see as I write….a work in progress….and I like that…..Thank you Lord for that revelation right there…..that you have not and will not give up on me…..that there is hope in, for and around me….Thank you Lord….
'We are those commissioned by God to transform the very air in which we live, not because of who we are but because of who He is. …..' is sweet music to my ears…..I can lead ( to) by example…..the aura I have.because of Him in me..my attitude…. because of Him in me……the love of Christ I show…. because of Him in me…..for He first loved me…….He first showed me Grace, He first showed me Mercy, He first showed me forgiveness……I can share the gift He has given me….. AMEN…
Lord God, I pray your leading over my sister's and I ( those of us that have fear of speaking about the gospel), that we might ooze what we have and know about you, that as you commission US we will be doubly equipped to share….Thank you that we are receivers of your word, and help us to share in love, with Grace and you at our side….praising you Lord for everything…AMEN….
Love to you all today Sisters….Be blessed….x x x
I love when He reveals this to us while we are still typing.
As I was reading your words, I felt the same exact way. "Oh, look, she's a work in progress too! I can relate to that, and that, and that…" Thats what I love about Christ. He meets us exactly where we are at and gently (but firmly) moves us closer to what He has planned for us. We are all works in progress, and God willing, I will always be a work in progress. For if I am in progress, than I am not alone. God bless you today Tina!
I think we can all relate to this fear, Tina. Praying God dispels some of that in all of us as we point each other to these truths. XO!
Yes, Tina! We are ALL works in progress. As long as you wake up with breath in your lungs, you know that God isn't finished with you. I can relate to your fear, too…even though this is the BEST NEWS in the history of ever, I am still hesitant to share it because we live in a world that makes Christ look so little. Like you, I am asking God for His leading and others would see Him in me by the "aura" I have!
I was suffering with a bout of insomnia and decided to not fight it anymore. Got up to this beautiful devotion in my mailbox. What a lovely thought ~ we are the aroma of God. So sweet and pleasing. But am I always. Sometimes I'm really stinky smelly. I need to be sure I am cautious of my aroma. To be what He wants and show others what His love can do for anyone as long as they want to walk with Him. I am not a salesperson. I have been commissioned BY GOD to transform the air in which I live because if who He is! Wow! That is not always easy and takes me being very mindful of each breath, step and word. Thank you #SRT, Amanda for this. Really what I needed today and every day.
So glad this blessed you, Darla. May you have some sweet sleep tonight. xo