In Leviticus we read about the importance of offerings. Some offered pristine herd animals, some offered flock animals or birds, and others offered grain offerings. But everyone gave the best of what they could....an aroma pleasing to the Lord.
This phrase permeates the first three chapters of the law laden book of Leviticus. Everything offered up to the Lord was a pleasing aroma. Everything.
Sometimes we can feel like what we offer is piddles compared to what she gave or he donated. But what is that to God? All we are required to offer is what we have. Don't believe me? A poor widow in Mark 12 gave two pennies as an offering and Jesus said her offering was out of abundance.
So what are you bringing? Are you tithing to your church? Do you volunteer? When what the last time you mentored a child?
Today we have the ability to be an aroma pleasing to the Lord. Let's do it!
15 comments:
I'd also add that even when you can't tithe, volunteer or mentor a child, that God is pleased simply with your presense and focus and whole heart on Him. There are seasons when we can't do any of the above, but there is never a time when we can't just give Him all of ourselves. All unemployed, unkempt and undone. He's just that good to us.
Love you, BB!
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Eph 5:2
After reading your post I immediately though of this verse. Even Christ in his short walk on earth set the best example above all offerings. He gave himself willingly unto the Lord and it was such a sweet-smelling-savour.
Jenn;)
Oh my, Oh boy, oh boy!! Long, long long time ago since I have served at church.. I just have the most beautiful memories of my time when serving at Sunday school.. Don’t really know what happened just stop doing it.. thanks Bianca, your post recently have been a wakeup call for me, like God is slapping me on the face to make me realize that I have been drifted away from him for too long now.
One of my favorite images is how Paul describes himself being poured out as a drink offering. Pouring ourselves into the lives of others, our communities and loving them will make an impact and a change for the better. This past season of my life has been one of volunteering in my community and not my church. Serving the least and lost around me. It's been so neat to see the impact.
@Annie: UGH. Why you convict me on my own blogs?! Wow. I loved your insight... it's so true. I get so caught up with DOING that I forget about BEING. I love you.
@Jennifer Rose: YES! I love that verse! Great comparison. Is your middle name Rose? Just curious.
@Anonymous: Like Annie so wonderfully pointed out, sometimes all we can give is our nearness. And that's enough. BUT if it's laziness or apathy that's kept you idle, then let's make something happen!
@Melinda: THIS HAS BEEN MY HEART'S DESIRE. Whoa. Ok, the summer series I'm working on right now deals with precisely this?! I'm so excited!!!! Much love, my friend. PS Give Earl a hug for me :)
Serving has been such a blessing! Whatever you give to God with a cheerful heart, He graciously gives back in some way or another (and always soooo abundantly)!
I encourage those who are hesitant to serve in ministry to give it a try! :) Prepare to be blown away!
@Bianca - see you soon? Shachah's playing at Montebello April 3rd. Let's get together or something and be real friends and not just virtual friends! :)
@Melinda: Guess who's going to be teaching that night? Guess who requested Shachah to come out?
That's right! ME!!! I can't wait to see y'all :)
@Cindy: I [heart] you.
No Comment. ;)
This is a great post. My husband has constantly been chastised by the guys he works w/ for tithing...they think he's crazy. His defense has always been that we truly believe God has blessed him with the job he has, the customers he has, and all the sales he makes. If he wasn't tithing, would he be as prosperous?
There have been times where I was stressed about writing that check to the church because I didn't know if I could pay the bills or not...but every time that's happened and I write that check in faith, God has supplied the money for our bills in other ways like rebates in the mail we didn't know we were getting. My God shall supply ALL my needs...not just SOME! :)
@ Bianca....yes my middle name is Rose. My name was born from a soap opera in the 80's.
Serving, I agree with, and I Love to serve, but what if you are constantly argued with or your suggestions, requests or opinions are ignored? What does one do?
i love how the Bible so often uses pictures like this to describe things. people like me NEED that!! i love the thought of being a pleasing aroma. even with the ministries i'm involved in, i can sometimes get tired and probably end up being not as strong smelling as i should be!! i want to smell gooood! :)
To Anonymous:
I would suggest praying about changing to a different ministry. Remember your work is unto the Lord. I wouldn't make a huge deal out of it, some people are just micromanagers or control freaks (Christians and non-believers alike). Pick your battles but the victory is God's. :)
I wish you the best!
I love this post, and I love your blog! I just discovered it and am already encouraged. Thank you for sharing your heart!
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