Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

WEDNESDAY APRIL 8


FRAGRANT LIVING

READ:
Philippians 4:18
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I am full, having
received...the
things sent from
you, a sweet-
smelling aroma...
well pleasing
to God.
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I'm grateful that God has given us the sense of smell so we can enjoy the many fragrances of life. I think of how much I enjoy something as simple as the fresh and inviting aroma of after-shave lotion in the morning. Or the mellow smell of fresh-cut grass in the spring. I especially enjoy sitting in the backyard when the delicate scent of my favorite roses fills the air. And then there are the savory aromas of delicious food.

So it catches my attention when the apostle Paul says that our generous acts of love toward others are like a "sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God" (PHIL. 4:18). When we think of helping those in need, we usually think of it as the right thing to do__or even the Christlike thing to do. But Paul says that our intentional act of reaching out to meet someone's need actually fills the throne room of God with a fragrance that brings pleasure to Him.

We can please God with the aromas that rise from being a blessing to others! what an added incentive this is for us to perform deeds of kindness in His name.

Who might need your act of kindness today? Ask the Lord to lead you to someone. Be a blessing. It's a fragrant thing to do!

**Here is what I hope to do for others today.______________________________________________
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Blessing others is a blessing to God.

************************Today's Bible Reading __ Philippians 4:10-20***********************
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your
care for me has flourished again; though you surely did
care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in
regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am,
to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to
abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be
full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in
my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the
beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no
church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but
you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and
again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek
the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all
and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the
things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable
sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all
your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever.
Amen.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Paul says, "I have learned in whatever state
I am, to be content....I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me" (4,11,13). Paul's contentment came from the
sufficiency of knowing Christ, not from the gifts he received from
the Philippian believers (vv.14-17). However, these sacrificial gifts
were a "sweet-smelling aroma" to God (v. 18. SEE LEV 7:12-15).