Verse of the Day 7/12

Verse of the Day 7/12

2 Corinthians 2:15-16

New International Version

15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

The circumstances in our lives cause us to see things, to read things differently.  It is one of the rasons why it is so important to keep God's Word in front of me as I go through this time of grief for me. As I read through today's passage (below) and these verses in particular I could not help but be reminded of Jean's last 6 months. I had thought of it as a progression, that of her cancer.  In reality what it was was a procession, through the Valley of the Shadow of Death here (Psalm 23) but towards her ultimate reception into heaven. All along the way she praised God, giving up the sacrifice of praise and a sweet smelling aroma of what it meant to lean on those everlasting arms and ultimately be carried through the valley when she no longer had the power to do so.

She continued to spread the kowledge of Chrst in Bible studies, small groups and with friends and acquailntances.  Some would believe what she believed others would not, they could not understand how she could praise God through this time.  She had the "eternal weight of glory" on her side.

As we go along our journey what kind of fragrance, aroma are we giving off.

2 Cor. 2:14 -16 The Message  "In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade."

I'll go back to the hymn, "All the Way My Savior Leasds Me", are we in the procession?

1. All the way my Savior leads me.
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt his tender mercy,
Who thru' life has been my Guide?
Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befall me,
Jesus fashions all things well.

2. All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for ev'ry trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Tho' my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

3. All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, cloth'd immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song thru' endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

2 Corinthians 2:15-17

The Message

An Open Door

12-14 When I arrived in Troas to proclaim the Message of the Messiah, I found the place wide open: God had opened the door; all I had to do was walk through it. But when I didn't find Titus waiting for me with news of your condition, I couldn't relax. Worried about you, I left and came on to Macedonia province looking for Titus and a reassuring word on you. And I got it, thank God!

14-16 In the Messiah, 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.

16-17 This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don't take God's Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ's presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.