Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
March 17, 2022
Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
14 But thank God, who is always leading us around through Christ as if we were in a parade. He releases the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere through us. 15 We smell like the aroma of Christ’s offering to God, both to those who are being saved and to those who are on the road to destruction. 16 We smell like a contagious dead person to those who are dying, but we smell like the fountain of life to those who are being saved. Who is qualified for this kind of ministry? 17 We aren’t like so many people who hustle the word of God to make a profit. We are speaking through Christ in the presence of God, as those who are sincere and as those who are sent from God.
Good Morning, Allow the presence of God to shine through you!
This is such an interesting passage that evokes our senses in a variety of ways. First, we read about God leading us through Christ as if we are in a parade. Immediately, the revelry surrounding parades floods my senses. I love parades both as a participant and as a spectator. As you watch the parade pass by, you contain your excitement as to what is just beyond your view. What might be coming next?
I see a connection between watching a wondering about a parade to our lives in Christ. We are led through time in the Bible, time in Christian fellowship, and time talking to God to learn and discern new things. As we read and discuss, we examine the lives and events that have happened before us, so that we may grow in our understanding of God’s ways. This would be the part of the parade we see moving off into the distance.
As we continue our study, we discover things that are right there in front of us that are awaiting our discovery. We are excited to consider this new knowledge and imagine how the Holy Spirit working within us will move us along this path. Wow! Our senses are fully engaged in the moment. We didn’t know such wonder and beauty existed, and we can’t wait to share God’s love with the world. This is the part of the parade right before us, the sights, sounds, and even the smells engulf us. We are giddy with the possibilities.
Finally, as we study and consider the Word, there are deeper meanings that we are not quite ready to hear. God shares knowledge and wisdom as we are ready. We are called to continue to move forward in faith and as the time comes, we will receive all that we need to take our next step. Piece by piece God reveals his plan for our lives. This is the part of the parade just out of our view. We eagerly anticipate what is to come, but it has not yet come into focus. We might even get a glimpse of what’s coming, but we can’t fully appreciate what is yet to come.
There are those special moments when something that we can’t even imagine or never considered is revealed to us by our God. Each of our callings is unique. God asks us to follow in faith. As I reflect this morning, I thank God for calling me to share the Word as a pastor. We need to be like those who have come before us who answered their own call. “Where you lead me, I will follow” “I don’t understand, but if you say so, I will do as you ask.” God loves us and will provide all we need when we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Help us experience our parade of life. May we learn from the past, enjoy the present, and anticipate the future as You reveal Your plan. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God will help me to share the good news in my own unique way.
Take the first step! Pastor Liz
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