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!
We are saturated in the fragrance of Christ through our transformation and insight in the mirror of God’s Word. We heed David’s words and prayer. Indeed, the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We have found freedom in His blessings, saints. Wishing you all a wonderful day!
This God–his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?….The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation. 2 Samuel 22:32, 33, 47
Nicole C. Mullen – My Redeemer Lives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRW-jr_PnbQ
Amen Beverlee (Yes, indeed my Redeemer lives)
Irene, praying this verse for your son, David. with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called…Ephesians 4:2-4 BSB ·
Yes indeed, agreeing with Beverlee in prayer, Irene, for your son David.
Thank you Beverlee and Deanna for your prayer for my son. That scripture certainly applies. I have not heard
from David since he called asking for prayer,; but I believe the Lord is working out His highest and best for all concerned; and peace of mind for David,.
May the beautiful fragrance of Christ fill our lives today!
Sah, I am praying and agreeing with you for your financial needs to be met. He is our Provider in all things, and nothing is too hard for our God! The Lord bless you and each fellow blogger today, being greatly encouraged and lifted up by His Spirit.
Thank you for the awesome message and direction we should be lead in to bring the message of Jesus to the world. Thank you amen amen
So well written…amen, amen
Dear Irene,
I join everyone else in praying for your son David and the situation concerning him.
May the Holy Spirit lead each and everyone in their decision-making. May He bring about an outcome far superior to anyone’s expectations and may it all be done in PEACE!
May there be no contention among those involved buth may they respect each other’s opinions and come to a solution that is best for all!
God bless you, dear sister!
Amen Luisa, thank you for David and all involved!
I also am praying for your son,Irene,for a fair outcome of his situation of which I am ignorant….but the Lord knows fully.Pray and trust Him,Irene.In the long run,all will be well.God bless
Trust Me
Trust Me,I know what I am doing,
It’s not just your heart I am wooing
But your soul is so dear to Me,
I want you with Me for eternity.
Even when your days are very bad,
I share the load that makes you sad,
So do not be angry with Me,
You must trust in Me eternally.
I love all my children most dearly,
And in life I see you clearly,
That is why you are on the Earth,
It is a school and the grave is your birth.
‘I knew you before you were born’,
I would never leave you forlorn,
I know every hair on your head,
Death is not for you to dread.
Life is through my precious Son,
A reward for when your day is done,
So know that this is my gift to you
And trust in Him your life through.
G W (Bill) Marshall/.2011
Such a beautiful and encouraging poem, Bill – thank you!
Thank you for your prayer for David’s situation; yes the Lord know what is best;
Beautiful poem. thanks William for sharing it with us!
He is the Rose of Sharon:
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;
It’s 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 / Dec10, 2012
(The knowledge of His love is the aroma.)
14b ….spread the aroma of the
knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For
we are to God the pleasing aroma of
Christ among those who are being
saved and those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2
Wonderful words of forgiveness and commendation of the Apostle Paul this morning and also of David. Agreeing in prayer for your son David Irene that all will turn out well and just for him. Love that song Beverlee and poem William. Snowing again but we are into March. Pray you will be blessed and used of you today saints! Going to send that song to my sister who has MS on her birthday today! Please pray God will touch her heart.
Ger that is a beautiful song to send to your sister. As she listens I pray, that it would touch her heart. I also pray Lord that you would give her strength and even healing (you are all powerful Lord and you can do anything) may she have a special time today on her birthday. I pray in Jesus name Amen
Blessings to all. Eleanor M.
Amen Ger; thank you for your prayer for David! and I agree with in you prayer for your sister!
Amen to every comment and prayer request above
that our Lord Jesus Christ would meet all their needs
in Jesus’ Name I pray.
Amen to every comment and prayer request above
that our Lord Jesus Christ would meet all their needs
in Jesus’ Name I pray.
Having problems with double comments being posted!
Sorry about that!
Transformation, yes Lord “work out your own salvation with fear ad trembling.
But it is God which works both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Ph. 2:12b-14)
As always, today David’s explanation of the scriptures makes it so clear. Thank you for t his blog!
Also for the photo Reynold and its contents.
May the end of this day be a time of rest!
Thanks Deanna! I’m praying and expecting a BIG financial windfall so I could send money to my daughter on March 6 on her birthday and to the other daughter on the 15th of March! With God all things are possible for those who believe!
Please pray all goes well with the choir at practice and at the performance next Sunday;
Pray for guidance from the Lord; I still don’t know what He wants me to do; I have the room at the rear of my home; I somehow would like someone who is doing missionary work and working in my community, but then God knows the whole situation…..what does He want me to do? Hear my prayer Lord! In Jesus Name I Pray amen
Soaking in God’s everlasting Word, with fellow saints in the Lord, this morning. We give praise and honour and glory where due, to our precious Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, Lord Adonai and Prince of Peace. Wherefore would we be, but with You, Lord? Blessings upon blessings, beloved saints–for oh, how He loves us so!!!
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV
As the Deer (with lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5pZkLWZv-E