Good day dear friends.
Correction on Ralph Miller, correction name is Martin. And on Gerry Garrison is Harrison. These computers!... ;)
Our brother Jim Ford is facing surgery possibly Friday if all goes well with some tests to be done early that morning. Please keep Jim and family in your prayers.
We continue our study of purity. Here is our study guide for today:
Thursday: If we look in Philippians 4:18, we find another reference to sacrifice. Today’s passage deals with fragrance and that which is pleasing to God. Is your life a “sweet-smelling sacrifice” offered up to God? If not, what’s holding you back? Today can be the day you ask God to turn your life around and make you pure.
18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
To be a sacrifice you must be pure. To be a "sweet-smelling" or "fragrant offering," you must be pure. To possess this fragrance we should possess the presence of God in our lives in a way that pleases God and invites others to wonder or inquire about what it is we have. That's one of the greatest opportunities a disciple can have, is an invitation to share what we have from God.
Yesterday, our University Ministry Coordinator, Matthew Kacal organized a Freshman move-in effort at the university. The staff, dressed in our FUMC shirts, went over to help parents of freshmen move their children in. It was a time to witness without words, what we possess. Instead of feeling tired or stressed, all of the staff felt energized by what we were able to share. Being the parent of three who have moved in to a dorm, I could only imagine what it was like for these parents to enjoy the assistance. It was a "fragrant offering" (and no snide remarks about how we may have smelled towards the end of the day!)
What's holding you back from being this fragrant offering for the Lord? What have we not asked for to help us become the folks that God wants us to be? Could today be the day when we make a personal decision to become pure?
PRAYER: Gracious God of life and love, come to me right now that I might become the person You want. Let my life truly be a fragrant offering to You and to those who do not yet know You. Let my life count in this way. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
