[APRIL 24] Many People

Read: Acts 18:1-11

"I have many people in this city." 

--Acts 18:10

New York City. Easter Sunday, 7:30 a.m. I was the only customer at Jimmy’s Diner in East Harlem when a man entered and approached my table. He said, “Good morning, and God bless you,” left a gospel tract, and quickly walked out. I smiled, appreciating his witness and realizing that God has His people everywhere. That night I attended church with our daughter Debbie, joining an enthusiastic congregation of 300 people, most in their twenties and thirties. Their infectious love for Christ and others was a bright light in a city that is often considered spiritually dark.

In the first century, Paul visited the Greek city of Corinth, which was known for its immorality and corruption. When he faced opposition for presenting Jesus as Messiah, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10).

No matter where we go, the Lord’s people are there. The risen Christ is powerfully present in and through all who know Him. The Lord has His people where you are today. Look for them. Join them.

Christ is risen indeed! --David McCasland

When Christians join in blessed fellowship

Commemorating Jesus' resurrection,

They sense a common bond of unity--

Their mutual faith in Him the true connection. --Hess

REFLECT ON THIS:

God has His people where you are today.

[MARCH 23] Signature Scent

Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

"Through us [God] diffuses the fragrance of his knowledge in every place."

--2 Corinthians 2:14

You can't see it , hear it, or touch it, but scent is powerful. The smell of things like crayons, petunias, and colognes evoke memories that transport me to the past and bring to mind people and places I might not otherwise recall.

Some celebrities have fragrances named after them. Fans can identify with an actress or singer by dabbing on the scent bearing her name. Along those lines, Ladies Home Journal published a quiz to help readers determine the perfect fragrance for them. The idea is that every woman, to be memorable, should have a specific scent associated to her.

The idea of a signature scent is not new. God introduced it as a part of worship. In the tabernacle, a certain scent was to be associated with the Lord (Ex. 30:34-35). The people were forbidden to use this fragrance for anything but worship (vv.37-38).

This idea continues under the new covenant, but with a stunning difference. Instead of using incense to make people think of Him, God uses Christians as His "signature scent" to the world (2 Cor. 2:14-15). The fact that God identifies Himself with us in such a powerful way is a truly humbling thought, and causes me to ask, "What do people think about God as a result of being around me?" --Julie Ackerman Link

When we've been alone with Jesus,

There's a difference others know;

And to them it's like a fragrance

That we leave where we go. --Hess

REFLECT ON THIS:

A life lived for God has pleasing aroma.