March 14 -- "Spreading the Fragrance of Christ"

 

Read 2 Corinthians 2

Ever walked into a bakery and instantly felt drawn in by the smell of fresh bread or freshly baked cookies? On the other hand, have you ever caught a whiff of something foul and you felt like plugging your nose? In the same way that physical aromas fill the air, our lives emit a “spiritual fragrance”—an invisible yet powerful sense of a person’s life expressed through their character, actions, and attitudes. Just as physical fragrances can attract or repel, our lives emit a spiritual aroma that either draws people to Jesus or turns them away.

In today’s passage, Paul unveils a powerful metaphor, transforming the Christian experience into a sensory reality: believers are called to spread the "fragrance of Christ" wherever they go. He  uses the Roman triumphal processions, where victorious generals burned incense as a sign of conquest, to provide the backdrop for this imagery. To some, the incense meant freedom—a swet aroma; to others, defeat—a foul stench.

The question is: What kind of aroma are you releasing? What scent is emitted from your life? Do you emanate a sweet aroma, or is there a lingering “odor” of sin, pride, arrogance, anger, or worldliness that others around you pick up? Is your life putting out the sour smell of sin and selfishness, or do others sense the sweet, sweet smell of Jesus?

Our attitudes, words, and actions either carry the sweet scent of Jesus or the stench of self. If our lives reflect His love, grace, and truth, people will be drawn to Him. But if we carry bitterness, pride, or hypocrisy, our witness becomes repelling instead of attractive. The world already has enough foul odors—our lives should be a fresh breath of heaven!

Take inventory. Do your interactions at work, home, and in public radiate Christ’s love and grace? Ask the Holy Spirit to remove any lingering “bad odors” of unforgiveness, anger, pride, or complacency. Choose to spread His fragrance by living a life of joy, kindness, faith, humility, and bold faith.

May the Lord fill you with His presence, purify your heart, and make your life a sweet aroma that testifies of His goodness. May the “fresh-baked bread” fragrance of your life draw others to the beauty of Jesus. Amen!

March 13 -- "Established. Anointed. Sealed. Guaranteed."

 

Read 2 Corinthians 1

Today’s verse powerfully declares God’s unwavering commitment to His children. Paul reassures the believers in Corinth that their faith is not built on shifting sand but on the solid rock of God’s promises. Although life can often feel uncertain, in Christ, we are not left to drift aimlessly. God has established us, anointed us, sealed us, and given us His Spirit as a guarantee. Paul highlights these four divine acts that God performs in the life of a believer:

• Established – To be established means to be firmly rooted and unshakable in Christ. Just as a foundation is laid on solid rock, God has made us secured in faith, not easily swayed by trials or temptations. We are no longer wandering aimlessly—we belong to Him, firmly planted in His truth.
• Anointed – In Scripture, anointing symbolizes being set apart for a divine purpose and being empowered by God to fulfill that purpose. As believers, we are anointed with the Holy Spirit, empowered to serve, witness, and walk in God’s calling. This is a promise for every child of God!
• Sealed – In ancient times, a seal was used to mark something as belonging to a specific person. A king would seal a decree with his signet ring, proving its authenticity and authority. When God seals us, He marks us as His own, ensuring our salvation and securing our eternal identity in Him.
• Guaranteed – Here, Paul uses a Greek word that means a pledge, deposit, or down payment—a legal and financial term that signifies a first installment with a promise of full payment to come. The Holy Spirit is our down payment, our assurance that what God has started, He will complete. Our salvation isn’t a gamble; it’s a guarantee!

When doubt creeps in, when the enemy whispers lies, and when circumstances shake you—remember, you are not insecure. You are established in Christ. When you feel aimless or uncertain, remember, you are anointed for a purpose. When you feel forgotten, rejoice that God has sealed you as His own. And when you fear the future, trust that His Spirit is your solid guarantee of all that is to come.

Stand firm in this truth! Live with the confidence that God has secured you. Stop striving to prove yourself—He’s already done the work. Walk boldly in the anointing He has given you. Trust His Spirit to guide you and rest in the guarantee of His faithfulness.

May the Lord remind you daily that you are His—established, anointed, sealed, and guaranteed. May you walk in the confidence of His calling and rest in the certainty of His promises.

March 12 -- "Prayer Changes Things"

 

Read James 5

Prayer is far more than a religious custom; it is a profound and dynamic channel to connect with God, affecting our lives and the lives of those around us in significant ways. In James 5:16, we are reminded that the heartfelt prayers of someone in a genuine relationship with God possess immense power.

But why do we pray, and what does it achieve?

Prayer is not merely about presenting our requests; it is also about harmonizing our hearts with God's will and purpose. Through prayer, we acknowledge His supreme authority and surrender to His plan. This deepens our relationship with Him, nurtures our faith and trust, clarifies our understanding of His intentions, and brings us peace and comfort. Above all, we pray because prayer changes things! Our prayers can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of the world around us.

When we intercede for others, we become vessels of healing, liberation, and guidance in their lives. As we make requests for ourselves, we experience personal growth, purification, and transformation through the mighty work of God's Spirit. Prayers can lead to astonishing miracles, such as healings, financial provision, restored relationships, and salvation for souls.

Prayer refocuses our attention from our problems to the One who is greater than any obstacle we face. Reflect on the words of 1 John 5:14-15: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."

So, what should you do in light of this? Start by believing that your prayers can make a difference. Pray with intentionality and persistence for areas in your life and the lives of others where breakthrough, healing, transformation, or salvation is needed. Trust in God's power to respond to your prayers. Rely on Him to change circumstances and lives through your prayers, and be prepared to witness miraculous transformations.

May the Lord unveil new revelations of His love and power as you pray. May your conversations with Him grow more intimate, more trusting, and more effective. And may His answers to your prayers leave you in awe, affirming His faithfulness and His power to bring about change.

March 11 -- "He Gives More Grace"

 

Read James 4

Some believers think of "grace" as a one-time gift, given to us when we first called on the Lord for forgiveness and salvation. It's true that "by grace we are saved," but it's equally true that God's grace extends far beyond that single moment.

Today's verse reveals that God's grace is not just for our past needs, but also for our present and future ones—He gives more grace! His undeserved kindness always exceeds our expectations. When we recognize our need for the Lord’s undeserved kindness and approach Him with humility, He responds by giving us even more. This means that the instant we acknowledge our shortcomings and turn to Him, His grace is ready and waiting. God's grace knows no bounds; it's an infinite resource that can never be exhausted.

Our responsibility is to draw near to Him by humbly submitting ourselves. When we do this, Scripture is clear—He WILL draw near to us!

No matter the size or quantity of our sins, God's grace is sufficient to forgive, restore, and help us achieve victory over life's temptations. We don't need to fear committing a "fatal" sin that could deplete God's grace; instead, we can approach Him with humility, knowing that "He gives more grace."

Every Christ-follower's story is a testimony to how God continually bestows more grace on those who seek Him humbly. As we lean into His love and acceptance, we discover that the river of His grace never runs dry. In His grace-filled presence, we find the strength and motivation to transform our lives from the inside out. Through our journey, we learn that God's grace is not just adequate—it's abundantly sufficient to overcome any struggle we face.

When our strength runs out, when our failures mount, when our hearts feel weak and heavy, God’s grace is not exhausted. He does not ration it. He does not measure it out in small portions. He gives more. As John Newton wrote, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

May you experience the Lord's boundless grace as you humble yourself before Him today. May His love and grace empower you to walk in humility and submission, bringing you incredible joy and unexplainable peace from drawing near to Him.

March 10 -- "Dual Waters: Pure or Polluted?"

 

Read James 3

Picture yourself standing at the edge of a serene forest, gazing at a clear, sparkling spring, its waters refreshing and pure. Thirsty, you dip your cup into the spring for a refreshing drink, but what comes out is dark, murky, and foul. How can this stagnant, polluted water come out of the same spring as fresh, pure water?

Now, envision your words as the water that flows from these springs. James 3:10 reminds us that out of the same mouth can come both praise and cursing, challenging us to reflect on the duality and contrasting nature that often exists within us. So often our lips utter words of insult, cursing, disrespect, slander, obscenities, gossip, and harmful sarcasm. How can we, as believers, allow both blessings and curses to flow from the same lips? James declares that these things “ought not to be so.”

Imagine trying to change the quality of water flowing from a spring without addressing the source itself. No matter how much you attempt to filter the water downstream, the impurities will persist if the source remains tainted. Similarly, the words we speak are a reflection of what lies within our hearts. To truly transform our speech, we must begin with a heart change.

Scripture often emphasizes the connection between the heart and the mouth. In Matthew 12:34, Jesus says, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." This means that the words we say are a direct overflow of what fills our hearts. If our hearts are filled with negativity, bitterness, or anger, it will inevitably be reflected in our speech. Conversely, when our hearts are filled with love, grace, and kindness, our words will naturally follow suit.

To achieve a lasting change in our words, we need a heart transformation that aligns with the values of Christ. This heart change is not something we can accomplish on our own; it requires a deep, spiritual renewal that only the Holy Spirit can bring about. By inviting the Holy Spirit to work within us, we allow God to cleanse and reshape our hearts, filling them with His love and grace.

As our hearts are renewed, our words will naturally begin to reflect this change. The same mouth that once uttered curses and negativity will become a source of blessing, encouragement, and life. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Let us commit to seeking a heart change, allowing God's love to fill and overflow from within us. May our words be a reflection of the transformative power of His grace in our lives, uplifting and blessing those around us.

March 9 -- "Your Faith: Dead or Alive?"

 

Read James 2

When a paramedic arrives on the scene of an injury, their first order of business is to check for signs of life. They check for breathing, pulse, responsiveness, pupil reaction, and skin color & temperature to confirm that the spirit is still present in the body. These “vital signs” prove the existence of life.

In the same way, there are spiritual “vital signs” that prove the existence of genuine faith in a person’s life. James calls these signs, “works,” referring to the righteous acts that come from someone who is truly alive in Christ with a genuine faith. In the same way that human vitality proves the presence of the spirit within the body, Christian good works prove the presence of genuine faith. James tells us that faith, like the body, must show evidence of life. If our faith lacks action, growth, and spiritual fruit, it may be as lifeless as a body without a spirit.  So, let’s run a faith check:

Breathing (Prayer & Worship) Just as breathing sustains physical life, prayer and worship sustain spiritual life. Do you inhale God’s presence daily, or is your faith struggling to catch its breath?

Pulse (Desire to Grow in Christ) A strong pulse indicates vitality.  Likewise, a living faith has a hunger for God’s Word, a pursuit of holiness, and a desire to grow in grace. If there’s no thirst for Scripture, no conviction over sin, and no longing to become more like Christ, your faith may be in need of resuscitation.

Responsiveness (Love & Compassion) A responsive body reacts to stimuli. A living faith responds to the needs of others.  Are you moved by the suffering around you, or has your faith become unfeeling and numb?

Pupil Reaction (Spiritual Discernment) Healthy pupils react to light. Does your faith respond to the truth of Scripture, or do you remain unchanged when confronted with God’s Word?

Skin Color & Temperature (Spiritual Vitality) A healthy body has warmth and color. Is your faith vibrant and passionate, displaying the vibrant beauty and colors of Christ?  Or has it grown cold, indifferent, and lifeless?

If any of these signs are weak or missing, it’s time for revival—the process by which spiritual life is renewed, awakened, and revitalized in the heart of the believer. Revival by the Holy Spirit can be likened to the life-saving shock delivered by defibrillator pads to a person's heart, but in the spiritual realm, it’s the Holy Spirit who provides the “charge” that stirs a dead or dormant faith back to life. This all begins by humbling ourselves, repenting, and turning to Him, asking for His Spirit to breathe new life into us.

May the Lord stir within you a renewed hunger for Him. May your faith be vibrant, responsive, and full of life. And may you walk in the fullness of life He desires for you.

March 8 -- "Wisdom For The Asking"

 

Read James 1

Imagine standing before a majestic fountain that flows endlessly with pure, refreshing water, never running dry. This is a powerful metaphor for God's infinite wisdom. His wisdom is inexhaustible, constantly available, and abundantly sufficient to meet all our needs, no matter the complexity of the challenges we face. Just as a fountain refreshes and invigorates those who drink from it, God's wisdom revitalizes our minds and souls, providing clarity, guidance, and peace in the midst of life's uncertainties. It is not a limited resource that we have to ration or compete for; rather, it is an ever-flowing stream, generously offered to all who seek it with a sincere heart.

Are you facing a situation where the right path isn't crystal clear? Perhaps you're wrestling with a tough decision at work, encountering struggles in your relationships, contemplating a significant career move, or seeking financial guidance. Whatever your dilemma, God's wisdom is essential to navigate these challenges.  The best part? It's free, and it’s yours, and God gives it without hesitation!

The term "without reproach" in James 1:5 can be interpreted as "without finding fault" or "without criticizing." In essence, this emphasizes that when we seek wisdom from God, He does not scold or reprimand us for asking. Instead, He is pleased that we are turning to Him for guidance and He willingly provides wisdom without a hint of disapproval or reluctance. God, the ultimate generous giver, is ready to bestow wisdom upon those who seek it. 

Yet, this gift of wisdom demands faith – a heart that trusts God’s response. James cautions that doubting is like being tossed by the wind, rendering us unstable and unreliable. When we allow doubt to take hold, it can lead to “analysis paralysis.”  We find ourselves overanalyzing every option, paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice. While a inquisitive mind is integral to seeking wisdom, crippling doubt that prevents us from trusting God's guidance becomes a significant obstacle.

To tap into this divine wisdom, first, recognize that human reasoning and understanding alone are insufficient. Pray earnestly for God's direction.  Next, nurture unwavering faith by strengthening your relationship with God through prayer, study of Scripture, gratitude, obedience, and a supportive community. Fight off any doubts that would immobilize you.  Remember, God is eager to lead you! Finally, remain open to His guidance.  His wisdom may manifest through Scripture, sage advice, a word from a friend, or a gentle nudge in your mind steering you in the right direction.

May the Lord, who is the fount of all wisdom and understanding, fill your hearts with His divine insight and guide your steps with unwavering clarity. As you seek His counsel, may you be blessed with faith that is steadfast, a mind that discerns, and a spirit that embraces His leading.