The bloom on this tree caught my eye as I passed it. I had to stop and take a picture because I was intrigued by the beautiful contrast in colors which makes it unique. However, as I drew close to the bloom, I noticed it didn’t have much scent if any at all. As I study today’s scripture I am challenged.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus was a “fragrant offering” on our behalf. Am I the same for Him? Do I omit the smell of love and sacrifice in the name of Jesus? Am I looking the part like the beautiful flower, but not omitting a fragrance of love? How about you? Today let’s all strive to grow and be more like Jesus. Listen to the song “Less Like Me” by Zach Williams as you pray about being a more fragrant offering for Christ.

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples to comfort and give them hope as He prepared them for His death. Read the passages that followed those words.

““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.””
‭‭John‬ ‭14:1-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus encouraged His disciples to find comfort in the promise of eternal life in heaven. Do you believe this promise? Do you believe in Jesus Christ? That’s all that is required. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

This Transformation Tip Tuesday I encourage you to read all of John 14. Jesus goes on to promise the gift of the Holy Spirit. Today when you feel discouraged, overwhelmed or burdened, turn your eyes toward Heaven. Lean on Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Go back to the basics of being a Christian. Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior.

To close out your time of devotion, listen to Lauren Daigle’s version of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”

Yesterday God reminded me that when I am struggling with sadness and grief that I need to focus on the goodness of God. God showers us with blessings even in the midst of our struggles. As you start your week this Mindset Monday I encourage you to spend some time thanking God for your blessings. Thank God for mercy and grace. Thank God for every “good and perfect gift”. Allow this song, “The Goodness of God” to guide your praise and worship.

Sometimes we are overcome with sadness, grief, and shock and we do not know how or what to pray. This week we have had a lot of rain. I was reminded recently that often after rain, the most beautiful sunsets occur. As we worship on this Spiritual Sunday, may each of us feel the loving presence of God. May we be comforted in the assurance that the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf and that the rain will subside revealing a beautiful sunset.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

One day this week a relative and friend reached out to me asking what scripture comforts me during grief. Within seconds this verse from Rev 21:4 came to mind;
“”He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.””‬‬ In this world we all experience suffering. Sometimes we see it through disease and sickness. But we don’t always know when someone is suffering on the inside. This scripture gives me peace and comfort knowing that Jesus has not only loved us so much that He bottled up every tear but also that the person is no longer suffering.

This same relative and friend felt guilty for questioning God. Within seconds this song; Why God by Austin French came to mind. We are all God’s children and just like a child who asks a lot of questions, it is not for us to understand everything. It is ok to ask why!

I know this is an unusual post for Finish Friday but I know there are others grieving. I love this saying; “God is greater than the Highs and Lows”. No matter what your grief is, God is greater. It is ok to rely on God for His strength on this Friday and everyday.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being greater than any high and any low than we have experienced. I lay all those that are grieving and surfing at your feet. I ask for your love, peace, and comfort to overwhelm them as they ask why. And when they don’t get a response or maybe the response hurts, hold them in your presence as you bottle up their tears. Give them the strength they need to process their grief today and always. In the name of Jesus Amen.

Often you read and hear Deborah and I talk about journaling our gratitudes. How about counting our miracles? In this song; Million Little Miracles by Elevation Worship & Maverick City, the miracles are so abundant they can’t count them all.

Miracles can be little things we take for granted; breath in our lungs, clothes on our backs, or food on the table. Miracles can be big events; salvation, healing, or opening doors. We tend to forget over the days, months, and years.

Some of the lyrics this song sings; “I hope I never get over what you’ve done”. In this verse from Deuteronomy, we must never forget to praise God for all the million little miracles performed everyday.

I encourage us all to journal our many miracles. Like this flower went from a seed to a bud, in a journal we can make a timeline of events that we can count and never forget.

Last Friday I had the joy of putting my toes in the sand. It is amazing to stand along the ocean in view of its vastness. There appears to be no end as the ocean meets the sky. I am always in Awe of God’s creation, especially when I take time to be still and enjoy it.

We are all Water Walkers when we stand in awe of God. On this Water Walking Wednesday imagine yourself standing at the shore line and worship with Hillsong United in the song, Stand in Awe