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 saturated every day in the fragrance of Christ, so that He becomes present wherever we go!
Pastor David I also read Psalm 22 and was very moved. The tears are flowing as I think of how our Lord suffered for us. Also my friend Jenny’s twin granddaughters, little friend who was 10 years old passed into glory last night. Her name is Angela and she has a little sister who is seven. Angela had a brain tumour and was in hospitable for 3 days.the twins were unaware that their little friend was so ill. Could you please pray for them and Angela’s family. Thank you Eleanor M.
God bless you Eleanor for sharing this story!
Lord it is so sad to loose a child! Comfort Angela’s family, let them remember the fun times; help the family come together and hold each other up in pray and thanksgiving.
Thank you Sah I do appreciate your prayer. I am praying that you will get a car very soon.
Amen…I pray for Angela’s family for comfort and peace of mind. I pray the Lord hold them in the Palm of His hand in this time of sorrow. Also Jenny’s twin grandaughters, as they mourn for their friend.
Mr. Mainse; I so enjoy this blog! Praise the Lord for your getting the Word of God out every day; your personal stories and for the extra such as reading about Rev. Tom Johnstone are much appreciated!
I am in dire straits everyone! I need a small car! Mine broke Sat night right at my house, I thank God I did not have to battle the highway, however, I need a small car and I pray that God would touch someone’s heart and that they would donate the car to me! I’m on a fixed income! I go swimming lots to cope with a mental illness and I like to go up to the church and clean up the gardens,, and collect the recycle material inside and out; I ask for prayers in Jesus Name amen
Thank you may God bless everyone.
The Lord will provide for you, Sah.
Dear David, a quick note to tell you how much I appreciate your ministry. You give television evangelism a good name. I know the Lord is thinking well done good and faithful servant when He thinks of you and all you do to further the kingdom.
Suzanne Denis
Wonderful photo to go with today’s scripture. Saturated in the fragrance of love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that we would be set free. We praise The Lord for His greatness in providing for His creation and His grace to those that fear Him and hope in His love (Psalm 147:7-11). All for His Glory! Amen! Blessings dearest saints in the Lord!
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
Psalm 145:3 NIV
Matt Redman – Your Grace Finds Me (Lyrics And Chords)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXZf-rc_XaA
We need to stop putting TV evangelists on pedestals. These programs are wonderful platforms to bring real life testimonies to the Glory of God. How often l have been blessed and given so much spiritual encouragement from them, like countless other people. We must remember there is always an off switch on the TV remote if we are offended by something, then the thing to do is take it to the Lord in Prayer. Dear David, you are one of the most credible and totally sincere people that has ever been on TV, with the express purpose of lifting up the Name of our JESUS….Well Done my Brother,and fellow servant of our God…..
Amen, Christine!
I believe that TV evangelists put themselves on pedestals because they actually believe and some still do that they are untouchable! WELL THEY ARE WRONG! They are sinners saved by grace as we all are! I have family who took their so called faith to a ridiculous place and it split the family…….if we were not as they are, we are going to hell!!!!
OK! so be it! BUT THAT IS NOT WHO JESUS CHRIST IS!
I also have appreciated the honest of David Mainse in this blog! I think it is very interesting that it took this blog to bring out the truth! PRAISE GOD FOR TRUTH!
We all need to get real! God knows our every sin! When we confess our sins we are forgiven through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ……everyone needs to dance a happy dance!
Please continue to pray for a vehicle for me, I do not know how God will answer this prayer, I have prayed for a financial breakthrough to clear debts, help family,friends,purchase a good 2nd hand vehicle, hopefully buy a small condo uptown and then sell my home, invest the money and spend time serving others, going to coffee, talking, just listening and encouraging others…….
pray I have a good time swimming, this helps me with my mental illness…again, God took my broken leg and turned it into me learning to swim and I enjoy it very much and it is so healthy…..blessings to all……and thank you to everyone who participates on this blog! I love this blog! It is uplifting, honest, funny, endearing and I thank the Lord for bringing about this blog!
Yes, Amen!!
Praying for the protection of saints at the Festival of Hope event this week-end in Vancouver. There are protests against Franklin Graham because of his support of Donald Trump being against Muslims and rightly so. Lord God, bring Your watch over everyone in Vancouver and bring unity for the people who come to pray and worship You!! It is all for Your love and glory! Amen!
Lord God, open the eyes of those who are blinded by hate. We are all brothers and sisters to one another. We will not bring those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour to claim Him through hateful speech and purposeful division set out by the current US President, but rather through prayer and supplication. Together, in love peace witness and sharing of the Word of God, let us welcome one another to a place of unity in Him.
Yes Lord bring the Gospel to all people in Vancouver and area, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven……AMEN
Dear Beverlee,
I truly appreciate your prayers and your consistent contributions to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you with all my heart. However, the protests against Franklin Graham are not because of his support for Donald Trump – he actually made it a point to say he was not going to tell anyone how to vote, but to look at what each political party and candidate stood for. He went to each state capital and led a prayer rally to encourage people to pray for God’s leadership over the U.S., which I think was a great thing. The reason he is being protested is because Mr. Graham is a courageous leader who publicly stated that Islam is a false religion. He is not against Muslims, but he is rightly proclaiming the Truth that there is only one Way to God – through Jesus Christ.
And you are right that we need to pray for the Festival of Hope:
Lord God, thank You for sending your workers out into this world to bring your Gospel, which is the message which brings real hope to people. Thank You for sending us a Saviour who gave His life for us, so we can be made new and start truly living the life You made for us to live. Thank You, Jesus, for going to the cross for us; thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to convict us, to call us, and to enable us to live godly lives as Your sons and daughters.
Please bless and anoint Franklin Graham and all the others involved in bringing Your Gospel; give them Your Words to speak; let Your message go out freely, and open people’s eyes and hearts to see and hear You, and give their lives to You. Change our country and shut up the voices of those anti-Christ spirits who are intent on destruction. Please strengthen Your people, and help us to focus on You and what You would have us do.
In Jesus always-faithful Name, amen
We can have differences of opinion, Rob.
AMEN ROB AMEN………Muslims are people, who need to hear the truth about Jesus Christ, as so many others need to hear and know and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour…..
I remember Billy Graham and His Crusades! WOW!
they were powerful, and heard by millions and millions of people, again I say, PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!
blessings to all…off to swimming……thank you Lord for the blessings of this day amen amen amen
Thank you Rob, and I say Amen!
Continuing to pray for everyone on this blog, that our Heavenly Father
would comfort them and supply all their needs, according to His Will,
for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, in Jesus Almighty Name, Amen!
The song that came to mind as I prayed with you Pastor David:
I don”t know whether it is available anywhere:
Glory, all Glory be to God!
Glory, all Glory be to God!
Praise His Holy Name!
All the angels sing,
Halleluiah, Amen!!
I’m planning to re-read this post later in the day.
Blessings to all “All Glory be to God!”
Ty, Ron & David, Amen!
Amen Rob
Hi,David,I hope you see this poem.It is one of my many favorites.I have been on today’s reading most of the afternoon and now early evening,sharing on FB and a suggestion to my pastor.Thank you once again.God bless
This Living Rose
Long ago there grew a flower
That had a fragrance to cherish,
Such that greed could not devour
And in death refused to perish.
This fragrance grew and then spread wide,
It’s scent still borne by so many,
And found it had never died,
Untold wealth worth not a penny.
Like the wind that you can not ride
And a river that keeps flowing,
This Scent of love will not hide
But is a Rose that keeps growing.
Kings and angels had bowed to greet,
The aroma of this tender seed,
For they knew none could defeat,
This living Rose that fills all need.
G W (Bill) Marshall / December 10, 2012
Amen, William Marshal…beautiful!!
Yes, Praise God we are being transformed…and will see the Glory of the Lord.
Thank you Reynold for the creative, expressive photos!!!
May the presence of the Lord so fill us, that as in your story, it would be a sweet aroma!!!