The Fragrance of Brokenness

An alabaster box is a delicate container crafted from a fine-grained, translucent stone, historically used to store precious ointments and perfumes. This beautiful vessel serves as a powerful metaphor for our role in God’s plan. Just as alabaster boxes were reserved for valuable contents, the Lord Jesus has chosen us to be special vessels, carrying His precious anointing to bring light, liberation, and the manifestation of His glory to a world in need. However, to fulfill this purpose, we must be willing to be molded and shaped by God, allowing Him to transform us into the vessels He needs us to be.The true value of something precious lies not in its storage, but in its use.

“Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.”John‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬. Mary taught us a powerful lesson of surrender and worship. She didn’t just bring her best; she broke the alabaster jar, releasing the fragrance and surrendering it all to Jesus. As the house was filled with the scent, we see that true worship and surrender require us to let go of our attachment to our gifts, talents, and resources. It’s not enough to offer God our best; we must also be willing to break it at His feet, signifying total surrender. When we do, the fragrance of what we carry – our gifts, our passions, our lives overflows and fills our communities and the world. This was also a declaration of devotion, a sacrifice of her most precious possession. She chose to honor Jesus above all else, even above the criticism and judgment of others. As we follow Jesus, we are called to similar surrender, laying down our lives, our dreams, and our desires at His feet.

As we reflect on Mary’s example, let us ask ourselves: ✝️ What are we holding onto that prevents us from fully surrendering to God? ✝️What jars of perfume, what gifts and talents, what dreams and desires are we reluctant to break at His feet?
🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️I encourage us to break it all at His feet and allow the fragrance of brokenness impact the world around us

Dwelling in Unity

Unity is a powerful force capable of making anything stand. While the world acknowledges this principle, the church often finds itself struggling to achieve it. Instead of lifting each other up in love and support, there are times when we tear each other down. The enemy is well aware of unity’s power and seeks to distract us through competition and confusion, furthering his own agenda. In the upper room experience described in the Bible (Acts 1-2), we witnessed the power of unity in action. The gathered believers were united in heart and purpose, and this unity had a profound impact on them. They experienced a remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and there was a sense of no lack among the people – spiritually and physically – as they shared and cared for one another.

Also in the book of Psalms, chapter 133,The scripture says, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.” This powerful passage of scripture highlights the importance of unity in the lives of those who belong to God. It reminds us that harmony among brethren is like the anointing oil that breaks yokes, brings deliverance, and ushers us into the supernatural touch of God. It reminds us that unity is like a refreshing dew that revives and refreshes the soul and spirit of God’s people. In such an atmosphere of unity and harmony, the power of God moves at will without any hindrance and His blessings are pronounced in abundance.

✝️ In this season, brethren, I urge all of us to pursue unity fervently. Let us let go of anything that hinders harmony among us. By doing so, we cultivate an atmosphere where God’s power can move freely, bringing transformation, revival, and the manifestation of His glory.

Know Your God

Nurturing a relationship requires mutual understanding and attention to each other’s likes, dislikes, and details. Investing time and effort is key to deepening our bond with one another. A wise saying goes that relationships with deep roots withstand the test of time. This is especially true for our relationship with God, which is the most significant and eternal commitment we’ll ever make. Let’s prioritize this relationship, recognizing its eternal impact, and not let temporary connections overshadow what truly lasts.

Daniel 11:32b says, ‘But they that know their God shall be strong and do exploits.’ This powerful scripture reminds me that knowing God intimately is the key to doing great things for Him. Many believers envy the accomplishments of other believers who have dedicated themselves to seeking God, but this verse reveals the secret: it’s not just about the works, it’s about knowing the One who empowers us. When we prioritize building a deep relationship with God, He equips us to do greater things than we ever thought possible. Just like a child learning to walk, our journey with God begins with small steps of devotion and surrender. Let’s seek Him with all our hearts and watch how He empowers us to do exploits for His glory.

✝️ May we be inspired to deepen our relationship with God today.

Every Believer, A Purpose to Fulfill

The Presbyterian hymn 451’s words resonates deeply: “A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify…” This is a stirring reminder of our responsibility to live a life that honors God. The lines “To serve the present age, My calling to fulfil” emphasize the importance of being mindful of our role in serving others and fulfilling God’s purpose. Every believer has a distinct calling to serve in their own unique context – whether at home, in the workplace, or within their community. I firmly believe that ministry extends far beyond traditional boundaries, and when, only when we recognize and seize every opportunity as a divine appointment, we can fulfill our purpose and live out our faith with intention.

As the king said in Luke 19:26, “Yes,’ to those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. This scripture highlights a crucial truth: everyone is entrusted with something by God, no matter how small it may seem. It’s not about the quantity or perceived significance of what we’ve been given, but rather about being faithful stewards of what we have. Many of us believers, overlook the opportunities, relationships, and roles we’ve been given, comparing them unfavorably to more traditional or visible forms of ministry. Yet, the Bible reminds us that we will be held accountable for how we used what we were given here on earth. As we stand before God, will we have used our time, talents, and resources wisely, or will we have let them go to waste? The end is near, and the question remains: what account will we render to God?

✝️ May we be strengthened by the HolySpirit to be faithful stewards no matter how small or big.

Enduring For The Promise

When an athlete crosses the finish line, their voice and expression radiate joy and excitement – they shine from the inside out knowing for sure that their hard work indeed paid off. Every athlete knows that success requires rigorous preparation physically, mentally, and emotionally and they also understand that the journey demands patience, endurance, discipline, self-control, trust, and above all faith. Parallel to our faith journey as believers, we’re like athletes training for eternity. While our ultimate victory is secured through Christ’s sacrifice, our journey still requires endurance and obedience. We must trust the process, cultivating patience, self-control, and faith. Unlike athletes, our outcome is guaranteed if we persevere and follow God’s commands. Our journey isn’t just about reaching eternity, but about honoring God and living out our purpose every step of the way.

“1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified”. This passage emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and endurance in our walk with God. Each believer has a unique purpose and strategy ordained by God, Just as athletes tailor their training, we must pursue our specific calling with discipline and purpose, ultimately honoring God and drawing others to Him. Let’s endure to the end, no matter our specific calling or strategy, to receive God’s promises – both now and in eternity.

✝️Whatever challenges come your way, keep pushing forward; for your prize awaits you.

Drive With Conviction

Conviction is the deep-seated confidence in our values, faith, or purpose that drives our actions. While external voices may influence us, it’s the inner voice that must ultimately guide us. Our journey on earth is more spiritual than physical, which requires us to tune into God’s guidance within. Seeking wise counsel is essential, but we must discern what aligns with the Spirit’s leading. History shows us that even Jesus faced opposition by religious leaders, yet His conviction kept Him going. Similarly, Paul’s story serves as a reminder that human backing without God’s conviction can lead us astray. When God empowers us for a purpose, we need both His conviction and the support of others. However, our actions must always align with His will, not just human expectations.

Acts 4:19 showcases the unwavering conviction of Peter and John, who boldly declared, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it’s right in God’s eyes to obey you rather than God.’ This powerful stance reminds us that our loyalty to God’s calling supersedes human expectations. As we pursue the purposes God has entrusted to us, we’ll inevitably face opposition. Yet, we’re called to press on with conviction, trusting that God’s provision accompanies His commission. Even when we can’t see the way forward, His mighty arm is always at work, making a way for us to fulfill our calling. Brethren, I urge you to reflect on the calling that’s been on your heart. Is there something the Lord has been nudging you towards, but you’ve put on the backburner due to fear of what others might say or doubts about its potential impact? I want to remind you that your Father is a God of possibilities. He can take the smallest step of faith and turn it into something life-changing. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Consider the potential, and take that step of faith. Your obedience could be the catalyst for something amazing.

✝️ Let conviction drive your Christian journey 🙇‍♀️

Rest In the Love of God

There is a song, I would like us to meditate on briefly today….No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand. Till He returns or calls me home, here in the love of Christ I’ll stand..These lyrics remind us of the assurance and certainty we have in Christ’s love. As believers, we often face challenges that overwhelm us. For some, it might be guilt over past mistakes, feeling distant from God. For others, it could be the grief over losing a loved one, struggling to feel God’s presence. Some may wonder if God’s love is real amidst life’s struggles, but I want to encourage you today: God cares about you more than you can imagine. His love is unwavering, and He’s always present, even in our darkest moments.

“As Romans 8:38-39 reminds us, ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. When life’s challenges overwhelm you, I urge you to fix your eyes on Jesus. God’s plans often surpass our understanding, and what may seem daunting will ultimately workout for our good. Recall times when you thought you’d never make it through, yet here you are. God’s love remains constant, His presence unwavering. He prioritizes our well-being above all else. Let this truth anchor your soul: God’s agenda prevails, and His love endures. Whenever doubts creep in, reflect on His faithfulness and the miracles He’s worked in your life.

✝️ Let’s hold onto the truth that we’re secure in Christ’s love, and nothing can separate us from it.❤️

Fear Can’t Stop You; Rise Above It

As believers, we’ve often unknowingly given in to the enemy’s lies, limiting our potential to manifest God’s glory in our lives. Circumstances have crippled us, and for many, it’s become our identity. We know we’re Children of God, but do we truly live out that reality when faced with impossibilities or hopeless situations? Fear is a natural response to perceived threats, but as believers, we must not let it dominate us. In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples, despite having witnessed Jesus’ miracles, were gripped by fear as the storm raged. But Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, calming the tempest. This powerful display was to remind them – and us – of His absolute authority over all creation.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.’ This scripture empowers us to recognize our identity and the authority we carry. When fear arises, it’s a sign that faith is lacking in that area. I challenge you to view life through the lens of your Father’s power and love. Just as a lion’s cub sees itself as king due to its lineage, we too should walk in confidence, knowing our heavenly Father’s might. The next time fear confronts you in any area of your life, remember your heritage in Christ and shake it off. Though fear may linger, persisting in faith will ultimately overcome it. Let’s live out our faith, unshaken by fear’s grip.

✝️ Let’s shift our perspective, embracing our identity in Christ and exercise faith over fear in all things

Child-like Faith

Children’s vulnerability, innocence, and curiosity make them uniquely precious. When adults exhibit these traits, they’re often likened to children. While childlike behavior may seem impractical in many areas of life, Jesus encourages us to adopt childlike qualities to receive faith. This paradox highlights the importance of humility, trust and openness in our spiritual journey. Children trust their parents unconditionally, even when faced with discipline or correction. This trust allows them to maintain a strong bond, knowing they’re loved and safe. Only in cases of betrayal or abuse might this trust be broken. In the same way, we are to see and relate with our Heavenly Father.

Matthew 18:3-4 “Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, and learn about heaven’s kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in. Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this gentle child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom. This is a powerful reminder that faith requires openness, innocence, and total surrender to God. Let’s reflect on areas of our lives where we struggle to trust Him fully, and let go of past doubts and limited understanding. By surrendering to the Father, we can step out in faith, even when things seem impossible, and witness God’s limitless power transform our lives.

✝️ May we experience the miraculous power of God in our lives, as we walk in Childlike faith this week!

Walking in Accountability with God

Accountability is about being responsible for our actions and decisions. As we journey with God, this principle takes on a profound significance. It involves acknowledging the destructive tendencies of our sinful nature and deliberately choosing to yield to the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit. Scripture makes it clear that our own strength is insufficient to please God. However, by embracing accountability to the Spirit, we open ourselves to live a life of holiness, one that is empowered and sustained by God’s grace.

Galatians 5:16 exhorts us, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives, and don’t gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” This underscores our accountability to God. Even on the days we stumble, we must rely on His guidance and mercy. To embody accountability, we must: ✝️Take ownership of our choices and its consequences ✝️Be transparent and honest ✝️Set standards and goals aligning with God’s will By living accountable lives, surrendered to the Spirit’s guidance and empowered by His strength, we will please God and walk in His ways, finding true freedom and life in His transforming power.

✝️ I pray the Lord, grants us the strength and grace we need to resist temptation.🙏