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!
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!
Realy cool stuff, you managed to make my blog
Whats yer opinion on hate?
Bye Bye
Good stuff, It might just work, although it seems easier when you have a plan.
Yours Sincerly
Hows It Going
You know, I have to tell you, I really had great fun this site and the insight from everyone who participates. I find it to be refreshing and very informative. I wish there were more blogs like it. Anyway, I felt it was about time I posted, I
Very interesting posts and well written.
Bye
Greets
I must say this is a very good article I enjoyed reading it keep teh good work
Bye Bye
Hey
thanks alot, Ill try it out now!
my homie am going to bookmark and read more often
colon cleanse products
who wants a colone cleanse colon cleansing detox
the best colon cleansecolon cleansing drink
you are a colon cleansedoes colon cleansing work
colon cleanse
I was been searching the Internet for this information and i wanted to say thanks to u for this post. Also, just off topic, where can i find a version of this theme? – 10x
hello your blog is interesting. The content is really great, but sorry i don’t like your website design, maybe you find better wordpress themes when you search on yahoo for “wordpress themes base”.:)
Here is a link for you on my site http://www.conveyancingquotes.info/?page_id=9,Would love to incessantly get updated great site ! .
Wow! Your site has a bunch comment posts. How did you get all of these bloggers to see your post I’m envious! I’m still learning all about posting information on the net. I’m going to view pages on your site to get a better idea how to attract more people. Thanks! http://www.tokyoexodus.com
I want to visit your website more frequently, but these days it seems to be taking a really long time to load in my browser. I visit from work, which I know I shouldn’t do, but our internet hookup is really fast. Is the site having some maintenance done or something?
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. pozycjonowanie I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!
o be as a great part in my project.
You made some respectable points there. I regarded on the internet for the issue and found most people will go along with together with your website.
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific web site.
Hehe, this one was good. Keep the level high!
Woh I love your posts , saved to favorites ! .
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
A really usefull post – Thank you very much I wish you dont mind me blogging about this post on my website I will also leave a linkback Thanks
Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss problem? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
Real journalist work and helpful summary. It’s amazing how good quality info can be found in the dark alleys of the internet ;).
Some genuinely grand work on behalf of the owner of this website , utterly outstanding articles .
My spouse and i were quite lucky Peter could complete his reports out of the precious recommendations he was given out of the web page. It’s not at all simplistic to simply find yourself making a gift of helpful hints which often other folks may have been selling. We really fully understand we have got the blog owner to give thanks to for that. The specific illustrations you made, the easy site menu, the relationships you give support to promote – it is everything overwhelming, and it is assisting our son in addition to the family consider that this issue is thrilling, which is certainly especially important. Thank you for everything!
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back sometime soon. Perfumy I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a nice evening!
I will immediately grab your rss feed as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
There’s nothing an agnostic can’t do if he doesn’t know whether he believes in anything or not
A very helpfull article – Thank you very much I wish you will not mind me writting about this post on my blog I will also link back to this post Thanks