God’s Bakery!

Christian Devotional by Pastor Cecil Thompson

2 Corinthians 2:14-15

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

Imagine walking down the street on a warm spring day. The birds are singing and the sun shining through the trees leaves dimpled blotches on the sidewalk. Your mind is preoccupied with the joy of the day, when suddenly everything changes.

There is an aroma that wafts across the street and seemingly draws you to a small shop with a familiar sign over the door. FRESH BAKED BREAD! You laugh to yourself, “As if anyone would have to tell you it is fresh bread!”

The aroma had provided enough of an announcement by itself. You peek through the window of the shop and see row after row of freshly baked bread on the counter. Having great will power you turn and walk away. RIGHT!

So you do not have the greatest will power in the world. You walk in and purchase two loaves. You can hardly wait to get home and cut into one of those warm loaves. With butter melting into the warm bread you enjoy the precious treat. It is so delicious that you and your family eat one loaf that evening.

The next day you take out the remaining loaf but something has happened. That wonderful aroma has faded. There is a hint of the original smell of fresh baked bread, but not the same as the day before.

By the third day what was left of loaf had become stale and had lost its aroma. It has become nothing but stale bread. You can remember what it had once been but it just did not have the fragrant aroma that was so appealing when fresh.

As we read today’s Scripture, we are told that we are to be the “aroma of Christ” to those around us. In other words, we are to draw people to Christ.

What fragrant aroma of Christ, do people sense when they are around you? Do you think they will want to “taste and see that the Lord is good?” Will they think of you when they desire spiritual counsel?

Paul says that God, “- – – leads us in triumphal procession in Christ.” That means that there has been a victory! It is not what we have done, but what He has done. We become appealing to the lost as we march in victory with Jesus.

HERE ARE MY CONCLUSIONS OF THE MATTER:

1. Christ has won the battle.

2. I have received Christ as my personal Savior, so I share in His victory.

3. When we share in His victory we need to act like victors- – -smile!

4. We should invite others to share in Christ’s victory.

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing to others!

— Pastor Cecil