Category Archives: Meditations of His Word

November 8, 2025

Garlic and the Gospel: Becoming the Fragrance of Christ

By altarofheaven
Photo of a loaf of bread, garlic cloves, and a Bible on a wooden table illustrating the devotional theme “Garlic and the Gospel: Becoming the Fragrance of Christ.”

Garlic is one of my favorite ingredients in food. I absolutely enjoy garlic! The thing about garlic is that when you eat a lot of it, it begins to seep out of your pores. You quite literally carry its fragrance with you. The more you eat, the more you smell like garlic.

This reminds me of what our lives should look like as Christians. We should be partaking of the Bread of Life so often that we carry the fragrance of Christ. That’s the only way to truly bear His aroma. Sermons, devotionals, podcast and commentaries all have their place, but they are kind of like processed food. 

If you want the purity of the Bread you must sit still in the presence of God, you must ingest His Word for yourself.  When you do, you’ll carry His fragrance wherever you go. Just remember, just as not everyone enjoys the smell of garlic (and it even repels insects), the fragrance of Christ can also repel some. Yet to those who are being saved, it is the sweetest aroma of all.

So may you ingest and digest the Word of God today, and bring the fragrant aroma of Christ into every space you enter.

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” John 6:35

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Prayer: May I ingest your Word daily sitting at Your presence ready to be Your fragrance wherever I go so that I might make you known. 

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August 7, 2025

Identity found in surRENDER

By altarofheaven

I’m learning that our true identity can only be found in the One who created us.

Not our parents, but the One whose likeness we bear.
The more we seek Him, the more we discover who we truly are.

Just as a coin bears Caesar’s image and belongs to him,
we bear God’s image and we belong to Him.

May we surRENDER to Him, giving to God what is God’s: our hearts, our lives, our identity.

“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21
“So God created mankind in His own image…” Genesis 1:27

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December 25, 2024

From Sacrifice to Savior: Understanding the Lamb of God Through the Eyes of Shepherds

By altarofheaven

As a child I was taught the words of John the Baptist, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world…” I would repeat these words in rote memory, but I didn’t understand what it meant. It wasn’t until I was 33 years old, while reading the book of Hebrews and learning about the sacrificial system, that the truth of those words pierced my heart. My mind was opened to understand and embrace the Gospel, and it brought me to my knees in worship before the living God.

The sacrificial system formally began during the time of Moses when God gave him the Ten Commandments, instructions to build the Tabernacle, and the Levitical Priesthood duties. These detailed which animals were to be sacrificed and for what purposes. Among these, the lamb stood out, symbolizing innocence and purity.

One of the most significant moments in Israel’s history involved the sacrifice of a lamb: the Passover. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. This act of obedience protected them from the plague that struck Egypt, sparing their firstborn and signifying their trust in God.

The lamb was also sacrificed for:

  • Daily burnt offering in the morning and evening
  •  The sin offering when individuals wanted atonement for unintentional sins
  •  The peace offering which symbolized thanksgiving or fellowship with God

Raising lambs specifically for Temple sacrifices required shepherds who ensured the animals were without blemish and worthy of offering. In biblical times, shepherds were often teenagers or young adults, much like David.

For approximately 1,200 to 1,400 years, atonement for sin was achieved through these rituals and sacrifices. Then, one night, everything changed. An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, proclaiming:

“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

God sent His message to shepherds—those tasked with inspecting and caring for sacrificial lambs—announcing that their search for the perfect lamb was over. God Himself had provided the Lamb who would take away the sins of the world.

Jesus Christ IS the LAMB OF GOD. 

The sacrificial system may seem foreign to us in modern times because we no longer make animal sacrifices for sin. It’s a concept that can feel difficult to fully grasp. Yet, this was God’s command in the Old Testament—to offer sacrifices as atonement for sin. These sacrifices served as a vivid reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for a substitute to bear its penalty.

God’s Word tells us, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). This truth points us to the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system: Jesus Christ. His blood was shed on the cross to provide complete and eternal forgiveness for all who believe.

It is through the blood of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, that we are forgiven and reconciled to God. What the sacrificial system symbolized, Jesus accomplished fully and forever.

It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that death PASSES OVER us.

It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that we no longer must give daily burnt offerings.

It is through the blood of Jesus Christ ALL our sins are atoned.

It is through the blood of Jesus Christ we have PEACE WITH GOD. 

Hebrews 10:1-14

Exodus 12:1-28

Exodus 24-25; Leviticus 1-16

Exodus 29:38-42

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December 24, 2024

Living in Gospel Wonder

By altarofheaven

This past Sunday, my Pastor posed a thought-provoking question: “Why do you think people, even Christians, become bored with the Gospel?” It struck a chord with me, as it seems many of us have lost our sense of wonder for the Gospel’s beauty and power.

For me, the reasons are many. Sometimes, I get too busy—like Martha, distracted and focused on the wrong things. Other times, my attention is consumed by the brokenness of sinful people and sin itself. I can also find myself slipping into a routine, going through the motions of life without truly acknowledging God, treating each day as business as usual.

But the cure for losing the wonder of the Gospel is: obedience.

Obedience to step out in faith and walk in the good works God has prepared for me. Obedience to abide in Christ, the true Vine, and live a life dependent on His strength and Spirit. This life of abiding in Christ is an adventure. Yes, it is full of trials and tribulations, but in those sufferings, I share in Christ’s sufferings—knowing, through it all, He strengthens me.

Some of the good works God has called me to involve the ministry of reconciliation through Under His Wings. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing miracles—yes, MIRACLES. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. How can we lose the wonder of the Gospel when we push through our fear and step out in faith instead of lingering on the sidelines? I cannot lose the wonder when I live a life that REQUIRES access to the One True God through Jesus Christ by ONE SPIRIT. Just as I need oxygen to live, I need daily faith to remind me that I have EVERYTHING I need for life and godliness in Christ Jesus.

So, just as God asked Adam in the Garden, “Where are you?”  What assignment has God given you that requires you to push through fear to faith? Have you stepped out in obedience? Do you truly KNOW God, or do you simply ‘know of’ Him?

I pray that you are experiencing the joy and love found in Christ Jesus. Let us live lives that reflect the reality of the Gospel and the wonder of His grace. As the Moravian prayer declares: “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”

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August 26, 2023

Sowing in Suffering

By altarofheaven

“May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”

This was a call from two missionaries that sold themselves into slavery to share the Gospel to slaves in the West Indies. This became the call of Moravian missions.

The mission has not ended. 

There are many today fighting with hard hearted and rebellious hearts. Their hearts are hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 

The sin committed against them. The sin they committed against God and others. 

They need to experience the Gospel. They need to see how much they have been forgiven so they can extend that same forgiveness and release the bitterness they are holding. They need to begin with receiving forgiveness for their sins. 

How do they experience this Love of God? Through God’s children, His vessels of mercy and grace. God’s kindness leads to repentance. This does not mean we allow them to continue in sin, but we love them through it and remain in the throne room often to pray in agreement with Jesus Christ who is interceding for them. 

We humble ourselves through the fight and remain in Christ allowing His strength to work in and through us for His purposes. Even when they hurl insults at us and break our hearts. That’s sharing in the suffering of Christ. We must not fight in the flesh, but we must pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus and experience His power through our weakness. 

God does not wish anyone would perish but all would come to the knowledge of the truth. Do you believe that? 

Who are you fighting on your knees for beLoved? Do not stop sowing God’s Word and watering them with your tears….keep the faith and remain steadfast. 

Psalm 126:5-6

“Those who sow in tears shall harvest with joyful shouting.

One who goes here and there weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Glorify God, Magnify Christ, Edify the Brethren.

Bread for the Brethren: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

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October 29, 2022

The Privilege of Serving

By altarofheaven

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Lately I’ve been realizing how much it is a privilege to be asked to serve. When God provides me an opportunity to serve in an assignment that I think is impossible for me to do, I’m learning to pray first. Praying to Him helps me to calm my anxieties and rest and trust Him. If He asked me to do something, He will provide all that’s needed. He already gave by giving us His Son Jesus Christ. 

If you have been asked to do something that is beyond your ability, and it requires you to die to self. Stop and give thanks to God, for asking you to serve in this way. Remember you are now a disciple of Jesus Christ, and we should always be ready to serve Him. Consider it an honor that you get to live God’s truths, not just meditate on them. The Holy Spirit does more than overshadow His chosen children, He lives IN you.

Yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit and you will experience the reward of learning more about yourself, but most of all you will have the greater gain of knowing God in a more intimate way….now that’s eternal life!

“The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35

“The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.”  Matthew 10:39

“…for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

“And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

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March 23, 2020

The Day the Sun Stood Still

By altarofheaven
IMG_0709

These days have felt as though time is standing still. It reminds me of the time when Joshua spoke to the LORD in the sight of Israel:

“O sun, stand still at Gibeon, and O moon in the valley of Aijalon.”

This is how God responded:

“So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies.” Joshua 10:12-13

May we use this time of “being still” wisely. May we use it to identify the enemies, entanglements, and encumbrances in our lives to lay aside along with our sin. This will help us to run the race set before us in endurance…as long as our eyes are fixed on the Son, Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

BeLoved, this time of ‘isolation’ and quiet can sometimes bring forth feelings of condemnation as the Holy Spirit convicts us of the sin in our lives. Remember, the identification of sin in our lives is not to bring us to condemnation but to lead us to see our need for a Savior. This is a time of confession, repentance and refreshment as we redirect our faith in Christ. Not in relationships, our jobs, money, or the government…but in Christ alone.

We may feel like calves stuck in a stall right now…but those who fear the name of God know about the healing that is to come and “we will skip about like calves in a stall.” (Malachi 4:2)

I’m praying for all of us in His world, not just for a physical healing, but a spiritual one that will bring revival.

Glorify God. Magnify Christ. Edify the Brethren.

*Hebrews 12

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

John 3:16-21

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January 18, 2017

Swift Salvation

By altarofheaven

img_3830“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances. And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.”
Psalm 68:19-20

There’s only One that daily bears our burden of sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Matthew 11:28-30)

There’s only One that is our salvation. (Acts 4:12; Matthew 1:21)

There’s only One that delivers us from evil. (Romans 6:8-14; Galatians 5:16)

There’s only One that helps us escape from death. (John 11:25-26; Romans 6:23; John 3:16-17)

His name is Jesus.
Jesus means, “God saves.”

Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

I am just a grafted gentile, declaring His good news…

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

“I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; and My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, and My glory for Israel.” Isaiah 46:13

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November 19, 2016

The Truth About Sin

By altarofheaven

 

fullsizerender-8

Francisco de Goya: Prisoner

Why do parents train their children to look both ways before they cross a street?

It’s because they love them, and want to protect them from harm.

Why do you think God gave us commandments?

It’s because He loves us and wants to protect us from harm.

It’s interesting the Greek translation of ‘sin’ has similar letters of ‘harm’: hamartia, it means ‘to miss the mark.’ Have you ever tried to throw a wad of paper in the trash and miss it? Well, it was no big deal because you can pick it up. But to miss the mark in one of God’s commands is a matter of life and death.

God does not give us commands because He doesn’t want us to enjoy life, but because He wants us to have life abundant in Christ. Even though sin may ‘feel good’ for the fleeting moment, the consequences are harmful. It is harmful to you, and harmful to others. In fact, it breaks the greatest two commandments: loving God and loving others. Once the counterfeit enjoyment of sin is accomplished it brings forth death. Do not be deceived…sin steals, kills and destroys.

  • Sin destroys relationships: you hide from God and His people; you no longer hear God’s Truth as love but as hate. You become insecure with your relationships with God and others and you become oversensitive and selfish.
  • Sin kills and destroys faith: It produces doubt and insecurity. Doubt that God could forgive ‘this’ sin.
  • Sin kills and steals grace: bringing you condemnation
  • Sin kills and steals confidence: bringing you shame
  • Sin kills and steals your purpose: instead of bringing glory to God you bring shame to yourself and testimony

Sin brings discouragement, depression, and division. Sin binds us. Chokes us. Mutes us. You become entangled and you have given Satan a foothold, and begin to believe his lies, after all he IS the thief who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.

With this shame and discouragement, you begin to stop reading God’s Word. Even though you’ve been born again of the Spirit of God you become the walking dead. It’s not a matter of eternal salvation but of sanctification-growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. You can’t grow because the ‘lying’ words of weeds wrap around and choke you, making you feel you’re in bondage. If you are a child of God, there’s no joy in your life because your sin has grieved the Holy Spirit living inside you.

What are we to do with this shame and condemnation?

  • Some live alone in bitterness and anger hardening their hearts, perishing until the day they die.
  • Some run full force into sin, searing their consciences and numbing their hearts, denying the toxic affects of sin not realizing the consequences of sin begin in this life, not just in hell.
  • Some live in a façade. Outwardly living ‘normal lives’ pretending everything is ok, but they know they are not. Instead they start to ‘do good works’ and try to make themselves feel good by serving in ministry.
  • Some hear and remember the gospel, turn from their sin and are healed: They remember in order to obey God’s commandment we need a Savior:

(God) He made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

They remember they have ‘begun in the Spirit and must be perfected by the Spirit’ that ‘apart from Christ’ they can do nothing. They remember it is by grace through faith they were saved, and are being saved. They remember: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.”

The longer I walk with God, the more I cannot fathom His love. I see the reason He asked fullsizerender-9Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. I see what type of death and condemnation He was trying to protect them from. Indeed it IS the kindness of God that leads to repentance, which leads to abundant life in Christ.

“…He Himself (Jesus) bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might DIE to sin and LIVE to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25

Heavenly Father, thank You for being so loving and patient with me. Thank You for setting boundaries to protect me and others from harm. Thank You for Your loving discipline to help me to return to You when I willfully disobey. Give me a love for You and Your commandments as never before. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

 

May God be glorified. May Christ be magnified. May the brethren be loved and edified.

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April 3, 2015

It’s Hard To Believe…

By altarofheaven

It IS hard to believe…

It’s hard to believe I need a sacrifice for my sins.
It’s hard to believe God would come down in the flesh and save me.
It’s hard to believe I’ve been forgiven of my past sins.
It’s hard to believe I have the power to overcome future sins.
Its hard to believe I can speak to God Almighty.
It’s hard to believe God can hear me.
It’s hard to believe I can hear Him.
It’s hard to believe God lives in me.

It’s hard to believe God loves me.

It IS hard to believe.

That’s why it takes a working of GOD to save us:
To save us from this of doubt Him.
To save us from this division from Him.
To save us from this depression within.
To save us from this darkness around.
To save us from our sins.
Oh what GRACE is HARD to comprehend!

Please LORD,
Remind me again how Your grace and mercies are new each morning.
Remind me how the blood of Jesus still cleanses;
Remind me of Your faithfulness and righteousness to forgive;
Remind me of Your presence within.

 

***

God saves
When I was first born again six years ago I was overly zealous for Jesus Christ. Though I shared Christ with those around me, I was trying to make others believe. I had salvation ambition and I came across as a ‘Bible thumper.’ I wanted so badly for others to be rescued out of the darkness and depression I once knew.

But what I didn’t fully realize then that I do now is this…I can’t make anyone believe, not even myself. Saving faith is a work of God.

So today I sow the Word implanted in me…I sow with my mouth, I sow with my writing, I sow with my living and I sow with my tears.

I pray and wait as God causes a growth.

May this God Friday be the day of someone’s salvation.

*Read Titus 3

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