To Carry the Sweet Scent

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, NIV)

Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, ERV)

In a turbulent world where people are either dying or being rescued, we are the sweet smell of the Anointed to God our Father. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, VOICE)

 

When we invite Christ to come and dwell within us, He covers us with His goodness and grace. No longer do we wreak of the stench of sin and death, but we are made new, filled with His scent of hope and light, life and love. Our charge is to go forth in His love and love others. As we do, we carry His aroma by association. To those who are in need of hope and ready to receive it, the scent is sweet; yet to those who have set their heart on the sin they are in, the scent we bear is pungent. Incredibly, each one of us had to be drawn to God in our own time, before we recognized how sweet the fragrance of our Heavenly Father. May we ever seek the Lord to listen and do His will, so that we may carry His sweet scent wherever we go and in all that we say and do.

 

We carry the scent,

Before God above;

Of Jesus, His Son,

Through how we choose love.

For as we love well,

The fragrance of life;

Shared with each other,

Brings an end to strife.

Yet, sometimes the smell,

Is not found so sweet;

Only the ready,

Come forth in receipt.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Christ brings the sweet scent of life and hope and love to all who are ready to receive Him. Thank You that as we do, we too may bear the favorable fragrance found in You. Forgive us for the times that we have been a bit pungent, as our words or actions did not clearly reflect who You have created us to become. Teach us to trust and rely on You more, so that we would bear Your beloved scent before all others. Show us how to love those around us well, so that they may embrace Your sweet fragrance of life. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to ever transform us, so that we may carry the blessed aroma of Your Son, that leads to everlasting life. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

 

 

Watch in Hope

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. – (Micah 7:7)

 

Micah was a man of great faith, in the midst of terrible turmoil. Despite the destruction and decay that surrounded him, he held fast to his hope in God, and trusted that the Lord would be true to His word. His hope was in the prophetic promise of Christ who was yet to come. We have the blessed benefit of knowing that Christ has come as the perfect sacrifice, once and for all, and is our hope and Savior, if only we will trust in Him. Today, no matter what surrounds us, we can watch in hope for the Lord, ever waiting on Him – for our Savior and our God, hear our every prayer.

 

Despite what is seen,

with hope, look to God;

for He is faithful,

when His path we trod.

Wait for the Savior,

for our prayers He hears;

all that leaves our lips,

straight unto His ears.

Our God is faithful,

He loves us to life;

He saves and redeems,

brings an end to strife.

So be not afraid,

to hope in the Lord;

He hears and He sees,

we’re never ignored.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can watch in hope for You, and wait for You; for You hear our every prayer and heart’s cry. Thank You that You are faithful and loving and kind, and that You want good things for Your children. Forgive us for our lack of faith in the fire, and help us to cling to You and Your promises when the seas are stormy. Lead us to love others with perseverance, just as You love us with a love that never ends. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we watch and wait in hope, and trust that You hear our every prayer. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10