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Sweet Aroma of Prayer Introduction: What are some of your favorite smells? mine: fresh rain; roses; Japanese cherry blossom; puppy; chocolate chip cookies; There are some smells that just relax and refresh you. We are going to look at some old testament scripture today. God set in the beginning for Prayer…

Today we are continuing our study through Peter’s 1st letter. Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers in His day. However, the words the Holy Spirit inspired Him to write, are just as needed today. We face the same struggles of various kinds. God allows trials in our lives to test us. Not so that…

Psalms 34:8 .....Knowing for yourself... Psalm 16:8 “I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” HISTORY If you look at the beginning of the text you see that David is the writer of this Psalm. And this Psalm takes place during a trying time in David’s…

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Why does Costco give away samples? Why do the Chinese restaurants in the mall food court give you pieces of “Chicken” on…

Facets of Being an Imitator of Jesus Christ 1. Walking in Love • Scripture: “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Ephesians 5:2, NKJV) • Explanation: To imitate Jesus, we must embrace sacrificial love, prioritizing others above ourselves. His life was marked by compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love, especially toward those society overlooked. • Application: Show patience and kindness in your relationships, serve others without expecting anything in return, and love even when it’s difficult. 2. Humility and Servanthood • Scripture: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who…made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant.” (Philippians 2:5-7, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus modeled humility by coming to earth not as a king but as a servant. He washed His disciples’ feet and served those in need, despite His divine nature. • Application: Humble yourself in your interactions, prioritize others’ needs, and remember that true greatness lies in serving, not being served. 3. Obedience to God • Scripture: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus’ life was marked by unwavering obedience to the Father’s will, even when it led to suffering. Imitating Christ means surrendering our plans and desires to God’s perfect will. • Application: Seek God in prayer and through His Word, align your actions with His commands, and trust Him even when His plans challenge your understanding. 4. Forgiving Others • Scripture: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34, NKJV) • Explanation: While suffering on the cross, Jesus forgave those who hurt Him. To imitate Christ, we must release bitterness and extend grace to those who wrong us. • Application: Forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because Christ forgave you. Allow forgiveness to free you from the weight of resentment. 5. Compassion for the Lost • Scripture: “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus’ heart ached for the broken, the lost, and the marginalized. His compassion led Him to heal, teach, and restore. • Application: Open your heart to the needs of others. Share the Gospel, care for the hurting, and advocate for justice wherever it’s lacking. 6. Speaking Truth Boldly • Scripture: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus never compromised truth, even when it made Him unpopular or led to persecution. • Application: Speak truth in love. Stand firm in your faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or countercultural. 7. Living by Faith • Scripture: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus trusted the Father completely, relying on Him for guidance, provision, and strength. • Application: Strengthen your faith by studying God’s Word, spending time in prayer, and trusting Him in every area of your life. 8. Bearing Fruit • Scripture: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:8, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus’ life produced spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. • Application: Stay connected to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Let His character shape your actions and attitudes so that your life reflects Him. 9. Persevering in Trials • Scripture: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus endured suffering and rejection because He focused on the joy of fulfilling God’s purpose. • Application: Face hardships with faith, knowing that God is working for your good and His glory. 10. Living for God’s Glory • Scripture: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4, NKJV) • Explanation: Jesus’ ultimate goal was to glorify the Father in all He did. • Application: Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. Let your life be a testimony of His goodness and grace. By embodying these facets, we not only honor Christ but also shine as His representatives in the world, pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Him.

Jesus calls his disciples to be salt and light to the world, knowing full-well that only God is all good and pure love, so that they might reflect him to the world.

prayer makes life sweeter

14 After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. 15 Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything.…

By imitating Christ's humility, unity, and purity, we can infuse our lives with the flavor of God, reflecting His character in our relationships and actions.

Savor the moments of conneciton, of God's loving presence.

By Pastor Glenn Pease Have you ever praised God for the enjoyment of laughter? Some of the greatest of God's people have. When Theodore Cuyler, the American preacher, visited the great London preacher, Charles Spurgeon, they told each other the crazy things that happened in their respective ministries.…