Grilled Cracked Pepper

Just one quick blog tonight--and then we're off in the morning, headed to Lake Texhoma to go fishing with friends. It will be good to get away. Sure seems like things have been hectic around here. We've been trying to get things planted before we leave, get the lawn mowed, get everything watered, etc., etc., plus getting everything packed to take. So, this one will be short.

Last night, I grilled burgers. I love the way the pepper smells as I grind it and it falls through into the fire below. It is such a Sweet, wonderful smell. As I was enjoying that last night, I thought about the verse that talks about us being a pleasing aroma to God. Funny, isn't it, that just smelling pepper from the grinder makes us sneeze. Now, I can't imagine just sniffing the jar of pepper. Aa-Aaa-Aaaa Chooooo! But add some heat and flame and the smell changes all together. It is transformed from a sharp, pungent smell, to a smooth, sweet aroma that pleases the senses. I find myself dumping a little extra in the fire just to breathe in that aroma.

I think we are like that to God. We go along in life and everything is just humming along fine. God still likes us, loves us even. But then, when the heat gets turned up in life with trials or temptations, and we maintain our Christian integrity, oh then, don't you know, He breathes us in deeply--smelling that smooth, sweet aroma as our lives have been transformed. And not only does He love us, He is pleased with us.

I hope that I can be grilled cracked pepper for Him!

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Eph. 5:1-2

I will look forward to catching up with all of you when I get back!

May God continue to bless each of you and give you all kinds of peace in believing!