7th. April. 2022. Daily Devotion.

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.  2 Corinthians 2:15

My husband and I, each with our own recipe, joined 14 other contestants in a chili cook-off at our church. We were busy ladling many cups of chili, but eventually I got around to taste several opponents’ version. Each pot was a masterful creation by a cook with their interpretation of chili. I was surprised that no two cups of chili tasted alike. Some were mild, some tangy, some with cinnamon, and some with chocolate. There were pots with beans, and some without. There were even a couple varieties of chili that were made with chicken and white beans. I really couldn’t believe that each one had a distinctive flavour; no two identical.

I thought to myself the next day, this reminds me of individual people who make up the church. Each person has their own flavour to add to the recipe. We have those who are musical, some who are organizers, some who are naturally friendly, those who can teach, those who know how to repair things, and some who are good at listening. We have every age, from young to old. We have brilliant people, and people with mental handicaps, but each one adds their own seasoning of what the family of Christ should be.

God is taking each one of us, and is in the process of blending us together, making the best chili pot ever. We each have a purpose, even if it is only to sit in a pew to smile at someone. That smile might be the only smile someone will see today. It takes all of us, the salt, pepper, chili powder, beans, meat, sauce, and other seasonings to make a chili pot. When we all blend in harmony, peace, and praise, to spread the gospel of Christ, we become an offering of a sweet aroma to Him. J Calvert

Dear Saviour, Thank you for joining us together in your love. Help us to be in harmony as we spread the gospel. In Christ I pray, Amen

To Lay My Suffering at Jesus’ Feet

Lord Jesus, you call me to live every aspect of my life in your presence, and so I come before you as I am. With the myrrh that the wise men carried I bring, too, the pain and sorrow and suffering that I have experienced. I lay them before you because they are all part of who I am. I ask that good may come from whatever negative things happen to me, knowing that nothing can ever separate me from your love. Amen.

Gracious God, your love includes us all, yet through the upheaval of pandemic and lockdowns the divisions between people have become accentuated.
We confess that too often we have not listened to those who have a different voice or offer a different perspective.
We confess that at times we operate from a place of privilege and do not always deal well with the power that we have.
Help us to understand the breadth, depth and height of your love for us and for others so that we work with humility, across the divisions, for justice for all, so that our lives as well as our words will proclaim your all-encompassing love. Amen.

For Those Who Travel

Lord God our Father, You hold all creation in Your hands, caring for the birds in the air and clothing the lilies in the field. Watch over and protect us in all things. Frustrate the evil intentions of those who would harm us. Grant safety to all those who travel, especially those who must fly. Bless our efforts to increase our security, but in all things teach us to place the safety of ourselves and our loved ones into Your hands, confident that in Your wisdom You will work all things for our good; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.