Fragrance of Christ

Hello Barneys!

So for my post today, I have decided to post about last week and this week. Two of the devotionals go so greatly together and has helped me to grow in what it means to be in relationship with Christ and reflect Him to others. I also have loved this week's focus on the concept of"Discipline". I think God has been redefining what discipline looks like for me. I'm excited to see and hear about what you all are gaining from this week's study as well.

Last weeks Wednesday devotional: "Christ's character permeates the company around you". I was deeply moved by this devotional. It spoke about how Christ in us, permeates the lives of those around us. Our presence in peoples lives are important and powerful. Also, the previous devotional of last Tuesday talked about how " Music enchants the deep places of the soul because music reveals to the soul that unseen forces have the power to inspire, shake and rattle our core". These two devotionals really connected for me. Just as music reveals that something unseen (Christ) can move and inspire, the very Christ in us has the capasity to move and inspire the deep parts of the soul of those around us. It reminds me that by simply walking in a room, Christ is able to work and permeate in the lives of those present. What an awesome and powerful truth. This is also so relevant to what you will be doing this summer! That your very presence on houseboats will provide the character of Christ to permeate the souls of the campers around you. By simply being present...Christ works!

This Monday Devotional: I loved the devotional today, because it also connected so well to last weeks devotionals. The devotional discussed that when we think about the fullness of our creator, we reflect that fullness to others around us. "As the creator fills the secret, empty recesses of your soul your countenance reflects the creators fullness. Leaders and followers are desperately seeking those who carry on them the fragrance of Christ". People are attracted to the fragrance and the aroma of Christ in us. We reflect the creators fullness! Also, later in the devotional it explains that unfortunately not all believers wear the fragrance of Christ. The way we are certain we wear His fragrance is by being in continual relationship with him. The less time we spend drawing near to him, the less potent the aroma is. The more we pour into drawing near to Christ, the stronger the aroma seeps off of us. Christ freely and extravagantly gives himself to us, but we must be disciplined in our commune with Him. So as we desire to reflect Christ to those around us, we must remember that it is only reflected when we are in constant relationship with him. What a blessing we have to be given a change to be in that deep and abundant relationship!

Lesson Learned: I have grown in desiring a deeper relationship with Christ! I need to pour myself more deeply into my time and commune with him! When we are in deep relationship with Christ, our very presence will reflect him. His character, love and goodness will permeate the hearts and souls of those we are near. People are attracted to the aroma of Christ that drifts off of us wherever we go! We reflect Him to the lost world around us.

Oh faithful Barnabas, keep that connection and relationship with Christ so that the aroma you carry remains potent!

I love you all! Keep trusting Christ in whatever you are going through! He loves you and is at work in you!