Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence (Proverbs 27:9 TPT). Love emits a smell. Science says we drew to our marriage partner for their scent rather than their looks. Love at first whiff! Odor is potent, and as we study the scripture, we see many references to it. Christ has an aroma. He gave his life for us for one reason only-His love. His sacrifice i

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it (I Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV). Many say the year 2020 “is the worst year ever”. You may agree. One thing is for sure we have seen the best and the worst human behavior. People have saved lives while others have taken them. Individuals have generously given and made

Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant (Gal. 1:10). Swing open that closet door and tell the world who you are, and most people will applaud you. The one glaring exception to that is if you are loud and proud of your Christian faith. Very few Christians speak up for righteous living today. Recently Joe Biden described Vice President Pence as a decent man

Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word, 25 But complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the LORD. (Psalms 106:24-25 NKJV). What a year 2020 has been! Coronavirus, lockdowns, wildfires, riots, floods, and on goes the list. Despite everything, how many of you can say, "I am blessed?" God has a simple strategy to thrive amid adversity. The secret of a life lived well is thankfulness. Complaining is toxic. It is first an inward commun

But, of course, there must be divisions among you so that you who have God’s approval will be recognized (Cor. 11:19)!” In today's political climate, "nice" people tiptoe around each other's opinions. Politics and religion are taboo within their conversations when others in the room or on Facebook do not agree. So, where do you line up? Do you keep silent because you are a nice person and do not want to further the divide? Or will you use your prophetic voice like a trumpet t