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.
Deadlifting is a weight exercise that trains multiple muscle groups at once. It’s the kind of workout where you’re encouraged to train to failure because that’s where growth happens. In pushing through the resistance, strength is built.
Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve been deadlifting burdens. I’ve done it to the point of failure. I know I’m called to the place I’m serving, but that doesn’t make it easy.
I hear confessions, witness pain, and sit with sin, both the kind done to others and the kind they’ve committed. Yes, Jesus bore the weight of the sin of the world. But we still live with the consequences. Broken hearts. Shattered dreams. Lingering wounds. We pick up and gather the broken pieces which feel heavy, even while yoked to Christ.
Jesus said His burden is light, but that word “light” is relative. After all, what’s light to the One who bore it all, can still feel crushing to me.
So, I ask myself, am I carrying it the right way while yoked to Jesus?
Maybe what Jesus meant by His “light burden” is what Paul called the momentary light affliction, because it’s producing in us something eternal. A weight of glory.
When I reflect on the weeks, I’ve spent feeling as though I am deadlifting emotional and spiritual burdens, I realize God is using it to strengthen me for what’s next. That doesn’t make it easy. But it reminds me, it’s worth it.
If you know someone in ministry, reach out. They may be lifting more than you know. Your encouragement could help them carry it to Jesus.
As for me? I’m holding on to the promise that glory outweighs grief, and that rest is found in Christ alone. I am not to be deadlifting burdens but remaining yoked to the One who died for them, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
When I first began diligently teaching my children the Word of God, they were just two and four years old—tiny hands folded in prayer, eager hearts soaking in His truth. Today our son is 19, graduating from boot camp in the United States Army, preparing to serve our country as a linguist. Our daughter, now 17, is preparing to graduate high school while working at the very same preschool where I once served when she was just a toddler. Time is like a river—always flowing, never standing still.
Motherhood has been one of the most rewarding callings God has placed on my life. And now, as I find myself in the middle of a season of transition, I am reminded that I must bend, or I will break. I am deeply grateful for the time I’ve had with my children—for the moments I chose to say “yes” to them and “no” to the distractions that would have pulled me away.
This transition is good. It is healthy. It is necessary. And yet, it is bittersweet. I think of the words Jesus spoke to His disciples in John 16:7:
“…it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
I see now that it is good for our children to go when their time comes. Their journey forward allows our voices to grow fainter so that the voice of the Father through the Holy Spirit becomes louder and stronger in their lives.
It is good.
Still, transitions often carry a sense of mourning. We mourn what could have been, or we mourn what once was. Yet, God gently reminds us:
“Sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
As we navigate these seasons, we must teach our children an important truth: Life will always bring transitions. People will come and go—through moves, broken relationships, or even passing into glory. Our homes, our jobs, our projects—they will all change. But through it all, one thing remains constant: God never changes.
Walking through this transition, I find that 70% of my tears are tears of gratitude—thankful for the sacred moments spent in God’s presence with my children, for the times of worship, for the countless prayers whispered together. The remaining 30% is mourning the reality that time cannot stand still. But if time stood still, wouldn’t it become stagnant? Instead, I choose to rejoice, knowing that joy does come and that in His presence, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
The unity I share with my children is not just in our home but in Christ. It is as Jesus prayed:
“…that they may be one as we are one.” (John 17:22)
To the Mother in Transition, if you find yourself in a season of transition, I am praying for you. I pray you embrace this time with grace. You are not alone. Give yourself permission to mourn, to feel deeply, to process the changes. If you have other children still at home, walk with them through their emotions too—they may not yet have the words to express their own sense of loss. Be patient. Speak openly. Communicate with your spouse, your friends, and most importantly, with God.
And keep pressing on.
Sixteen years ago today, I met Jesus Christ, and Deuteronomy 6:4-9 was one of the first passages that illuminated my heart—to teach my children diligently. This week, I watch our son step into the world, and in just two months, our daughter will graduate high school. Only the Lord knows the depth of gratitude I carry to be called their mother. Only He knows the strength He has given me for this calling.
I know I am not done; we are just entering a new season.
But this week, I pause.
I celebrate.
I stack my stones of remembrance—marking this moment with thanksgiving and giving all glory to God.
There is purpose in pain. Many times, I have been challenged with this truth, but God encourages me through His Word and in hidden treasures of this life such as:
Crushed grapes for wine…
Crushed Olives for oil…
Crushed wheat for bread….
Crushed Savior for salvation
All this crushing brings life, but only One brings eternal life: Jesus Christ. It’s because of Jesus I am equipped to press in and press on. I pray you are doing the same my brethren.
“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
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.
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.”
How do you react when you find out someone is going through a major trial like cancer?
There was a time when I would flippantly share Scripture like Romans 8:28. Though God’s Word is true, there’s also timing of our words as we are told in Ephesians 4:29:
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
Today I tend to react like Job’s friends first did:
“So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.” Job 2:13
My husband’s step-sister Gina has cancer.
I have no words to speak to her, but I just weep and pray. Being sad and weeping is not a lack of faith, it’s just deep sorrow.
Jesus understands. When her brother died Mary said to Jesus,
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.” (John 11:32-33)
When Jesus saw where they laid Lazarus, He wept.
The other reaction I have to guard against is not doing anything at all for fear of offending. Do you ever struggle with that?
Right now we live in California and she lives in North Carolina, so the most practical things we can do is pray, donate what we can, and share this with you…
As you read her story you will see she is loved and knows it. You will see her faith in God is firm. But you will also see a mama’s aching heart for her sons and for her family.
Will you take a moment to read her story and prayerfully consider making a donation for this beautiful young mother of three children?
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
As children of God we have been given POWER!
Power to overcome temptation and sin (1 Cor 10:13-14;Romans 8:9-14)
Power to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:16)
Power to forgive (John 20:23; Matthew 6:15)
Power to overcome fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
Power to LOVE (Romans 8:2-4; 1 John 4:19)
When Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, He gave us access to God the Father by one Spirit. This allows us to ask the Father ‘lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil…’ We have the privilege to go to God’s throne of grace daily to confess our sins and receive His faithful forgiveness and cleansing. This allows us to be vessels of mercy and grace to others.
When Jesus was resurrected, He demonstrated His power over sin and death.
Today Jesus is alive, seated at the right hand of the Father interceding for the saints. Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because He has “been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
As children of God we are not perfect but have been given God’s perfect POWER by His Holy Spirit. May we not harden our hearts nor deny the POWER we’ve been given by quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit!
Stay focused: Glorify God. Magnify Christ. Edify the brethren.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Her effort to be perfect is destroyed by her sin
Paralyzing guilt sets in
She weeps, sadden by the loss of ‘perfection’
She hardens her heart and tries to justify her sin
Enter in grace…
The one she sinned against forgives her, but her hands are clenched
He pleads for her to return to him
She wants to return, but doesn’t forgive herself
She knows she does not deserve forgiveness
She runs away into the dark to hide
She doesn’t think she deserves to live, and wants death
She begins to numb herself
Messengers come, reminding her of grace…
One day the one sinned against speaks to her again
He invites her to reconcile
She dares to believe reconciliation is possible
She dares to believe she could be forgiven
She steps out of the darkness and towards the Light
She takes his hand and walks on the road of reconciliation
Through this journey her hands open and her heart softens
She weeps a different type of sorrow
She weeps in humility and gratitude
She experiences a spiritual death and is rewarded a new life
She lives because her hands opened to receive grace
She lives a new life because she walks in the Light
She lives a new life because she believes she is forgiven
Altar of Heaven 