Have you ever asked yourself that question? Our nose is quite keen in picking up odors that give off a pleasant fragrance or an unpleasant stench. I was thinking about my upcoming trip to Ecuador this morning and the Lord brought me to a verse in 2 Corinthians 2: 14-17 “In Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation- an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.“
Wow! Lord help me to give off the fragrance of Christ in all I say or do. Remove all the unpleasant smells that I hang on to that cause others not to see him in me. The theme God has been impressing on me for this trip is freedom, as in “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Let us throw off all the religious ideas, take off the limits we place on God and believe in the mission Christ has called us to. I want to take a bath in God’s Holy Spirit and have that sweet aroma that is not only pleasing to him, but also brings the realization of his transforming power to others.
Editor's Note: Ray is a founding member of the Heart of Titus board of directors and has been travelling with us since 2005. Ray and Chuck Blystone will be heading back to Ecuador shortly.
