Living Above Ministries: Be nothing like the Moabites!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Be nothing like the Moabites!

Yesterday during worship service, as my husband was about to open the congregation in worship, I got a text message from a dear friend. They needed John to come back to Texas to preach a funeral.

I walked across the stage, whispered this in his ear and he said only 2 words, "Of course!"

I love the faithfulness of this man!

After church and a quick bite to eat, he was heading out the door to be with our dear friends.

One thing that you may not know about me... I do my best work around the house when he's not home. This is mainly because when he's around I like to be with him - not buried in a project!

I knew what my "project" was going to be even before I walked him to the front door - cleaning out the garage! I worked on it until my old body couldn't move anymore. I made a clean pathway to the Christmas decorations, organized the laundry area, found the car charger to my cell phone, and discovered a few of the kids' long lost treasures. I hope to finish this project today!

When it got to be bedtime I just fell into the bed. I quickly realized just how sticky I was from working so hard. I knew sleep would be hard to find feeling this way - so I dragged my worn out body to the shower.

I felt better and was actually able to go to sleep!

Isn't it interesting that comfort and rest came when I no longer had the remains of the day on my actual person?! I didn't "smell"like myself - and that was a good thing!

We find Jeremiah giving the people of Moab a similar message:

Jeremiah 4:8-11 (ESV)

Moab has been at ease from his youth and has settled on his dregs; he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into exile; so his taste remains in him, and his scent is not changed.

There are actually many warnings for us all in this passage - but I don't want to overwhelm you or write something so long that you would give up reading, so I'll only focus on the last two...

TASTE & SMELL

After reading this - I took a moment to evaluate my own life. I asked myself 2 questions. If we are to have the aroma of Christ and are to taste and see that the Lord is good...

Do I still "taste" like Penny?

and

Has my scent changed lately?

I want both of these to point to Christ!

At the end of working last night - I smelled like I had been in the garage all day. What about when I go through a trial? Do I taste & smell like trouble and worry - or do I give off the aroma of Christ?

2 Corinthians 2:15 (ESV)

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

I prayed to the Lord, "I don't want to be found like the Moabites - tasting and smelling unchanged!"

After my shower, I felt rest for the night and strength for today followed. I am more able to complete my project today as a result. I think it's the same with the Lord. I will be a better servant of the Lord if I "taste & smell" more like Him. When I am found "clean & holy" instead of wearing my trials & hardships all over me, I can find rest for my soul and energy for the task He has set before me.