Wednesday, March 4, 2015

THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 2-3

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

Underneath the Convent of the Sisters of Zion inside the Old City of Jerusalem, pilgrims can visit stone pavings which are claimed to be the Stone Pavement (Lithostrotos) where Pilate had his judgment seat (John 19:13). This place is considered to be the second station of the Via Dolorosa (the path that Jesus took while carrying His cross on the way to be crucified). The Roman soldiers’ game in Lithostrotos pavement can still be seen as shown in the picture above. Markings in the paving stones, indicating a dice game known as the King’s Game, suggested this was where Jesus was mocked by the soldiers (John 19:2-3).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 2:7, 3:18

…so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow….But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

God is doing a wonderful work in the lives of the Corinthian people! What a joy! What has produced a people whose very presence exudes the fragrance or aroma of Christ?

First – As a result of the strong ministry in 1st Corinthians and their obedience, individuals were changed. Their lives reflected the One they were beholding, Jesus Christ.

Second – They forgave and restored the brother who was living immorally of whom we read in 1st Corinthians chapter 5. Paul’s “anguish of heart” and “many tears” of intercession (2:4) was rewarded with a new unity in the Church.

Third – Integrity, right living, honesty in all things, particularly in the sincerity with which the Gospel is presented (2:17). This is the character of Christ revealed in the administration of the cause of Christ.

The glorious result is that “we all” see the glory of the Lord and “ARE BEING TRANSFORMED.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, please continue the transformation of my life into the image of Christ. I am beholding You (seeing with insight) in the mirror of Your Word each day as I read and pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My meditation brings to mind the words of the Roman Governor, Pilate. When he thrust Jesus forward in front of the crowd, he said, “Behold the man” (John 19:1-11). In so doing he focused the gaze of the ages on Jesus. Jesus was dressed in an old robe of royal purple in order to mock His claim to be the King. The crown of thorns was pressed into His brow. I have just read Psalm 22. I am deeply moved, and I give my life to Him in a renewed commitment.

Paul writes of “so many, peddling the word of God” (2:17). As a TV evangelist, I hear that! Many times I’ve been asked, “What do you do?” I’ll mumble something unintelligible, and change the subject to a conversation that may lead to an opportunity to share Jesus. I don’t want to talk about TV evangelists. I just want to talk about Jesus. I weep as I type these words over the poor witness to Jesus that we have often portrayed. Oh how I desire to be changed from glory to glory, so that I may reflect the Person of Christ in a more accurate way.

Yours for the work of “the Spirit of the Lord” in us all,

David

P.S. Rev. Tom Johnstone, whom I mentioned a few days ago, was a Pastor in Montreal. He told the story of walking through a slum area when suddenly he smelled a beautiful fragrance in the air. He looked down the alley, and there were the girls who worked in a perfume factory. They were sitting outside eating their lunch. They were saturated in the aroma of their occupation. Let us be occupied every day in making the fragrance of Christ present everywhere!

P.P.S. When Norma-Jean read yesterday’s blog from her I phone she found a mistaken number. Those represented in Jerusalem this Pentecost weekend by their leaders in May are six hundred million rather than six million. Please come and join us.

16 thoughts on “Wednesday, March 4, 2015

  1. Paul’s key words that struck me in today’s readings were Corinthians 2:10-11:
    Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. WOW.
    Nothing could be more clear! Everything we hold onto from the past and do not let go of, is a weight Satan uses to pull us down and keep us away from the light of Christ that lifts us up. What could be more powerful than that to get it through to us? Amen! Blessings, dear saints! And love to you, David and Norma-Jean!

    • The Lord’s Prayer: and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass againist us! POWERFUL
      this has been a very powerful force in my life the Holy Spirit has enabled me to forgive all from the past, the driver of the car that hit my dad’s car and my dad died, the person was a teen and had been drinking and I forgave him 2 days after because it could have the other way around: my dad was an alcoholic and he could have killed someone! just recently the Holy Spirit said “forgive your husband” and I thought I did BUT NOT COMPLETELY so I did right then and there, and even more recent I opened a magazine from 1997 and there was the name of a woman that was involved with my husband and IMAGINE! this magazine is from 1997 so: I phoned immediately The 100 Huntley Srteet Prayer Line and had someone pray for me and I forgave that person, I am in awe of God, after all these years and He knows me and STILL LVOES ME UNCONDITIONALLY! in 1995 Readers Digest had a powerful article on THE THREE WORDS THAT HEAL: I FORGIVE YOU, doens’t mean we can forget, but it is process by which we forgive and move forward slowy until all the “CRAP” is our of our minds and in God’s Hands, powerful words I FORGIVE YOU. I am so thankful for the 24-7 day a week prayer line available, sometimes at night thoughts start whirling around and I phone immmediately, very thankful for Crossroads Ministry and what an exciting coming for Mr. Mainse, God bless your health Mr. Mainse. blessings to everyone….

  2. Just read over yesterday’s prayers for you David and I add my prayers for your health and healing too. Trust you gain strength each day and shake off that weakness. God bless you and Norma-Jean and may you be strong to deliver your message in Israel. Listened to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to the Congress last night and was deeply moved. Praying for him and the President of U.S. today that the Lord will give them direction. The Lord bless you Donna and give you joy and peace. Please pray for my decision making at this time. Thanks and God bless all.

  3. What a lovely mistake Norma-Jean found on her iPhone!
    Watched Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech yesterday and I, even I could understand the wisdom he was trying to get across to the American people. What courageous people he and his wife are in the face of such ignorant adversity.
    You are doing all us saints and most importantly God a great service Rev. M. by spreading God’s Word whether by tv or any other technology. No need to ever feel squimish about that.
    Blessings fellow saints.

  4. Amen Beverlee I have a friend who needs to hear, see, and know this. Yesterday
    she said that cannot forgive those in her past. I am going to pray for her
    Lianne Hoogg

  5. Hi David, never, ever, ever be ashamed of the television ministry that God called you to. Crossroads ministry is a very bright shining light. I realize that talking about TV evangelists is not a pleasant subject, and not my favourite either, but I think if you step out, He will show you how to proceed in a way that honours Him. Continuing to pray for your health and strength. God bless you!

  6. I was prompted by your posts, Ger and Lynda, and googled Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech; praying for him and President Obama, now. Oh Lord God, we know what Your Word says and we hold it all in Your hands.

  7. thank you Lord for the Crossroads Ministry and for their interigty in all aspects, proclaiming the Word of GOd in it’s truth, in handling of all the financial aspects of this Ministry, it is a blessing to feel this comfort.! In my times at the pool many conversations have being about God and I am sure of one thing! People are very hungry to hear the Word of God taught in love and compassion. I have been amazed how many do go online and listen to Pastors and speakers preaching on the Word of God! We never need to be ashamed of the Gospel! sometimes I just don’t want to fight with someone about who Jesus who was and is and I ask what do they do for a living, or have they got family in the pool and the that avoids harsh words and I also still want to talk to these people the next time they are in the pool. Maybe somewhere in Scripture is says not to “fight” about who God is”….that’s not really settling in thoughts, there are times when someone will get very vocal and I will listen and mention that they have some interesting ideas…and again, I ask questions about other aspects of their life!….I had an uncle who always said “serve the Lord any way you can and maybe once in a while you may have to use some words” I am off to swimming and dealing with the Full Moon and my chemical imbalance, praise the Lord that He lead me to swimming! Lord for those who need to make decisions may the Holy Spirit speak give clear direction and guidance In Jesus Name we Pray AMEN

  8. What a blessing for you and Norma-Jean as well as Ron and Ann to be present with the six-hundred million that will be represented in Jerusalem this Pentecost Sunday!! I pray the Lord keep you all safe in the Palm of His hands as you travel there and back and while you are there.

  9. Yes Beverlee Kay… “The Burdens are lifted at Calvary” , as we forgive and let go and let God!! Thank you for bring forth that scripture verse.

    My prayer too prayer Dear Lord that You continue to transform me to the image of Christ from Glory to Glory!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

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