Smelling Like Jesus

The Scriptures teach that we are to be light and salt to the world. That requires us to be in some "strange" places. When we decide to be who God calls us to be, we must understand that there is a cost involved. Sometimes the costs are high even to the point of costing our lives. Sometimes we just have to be uncomfortable for a while. That is where I found myself this week on a visit.

One of our shepherds and I have the privilege to go and make visits together. We landed at a house that you could smell the smoke from the outside. This couple has been visiting Creekside for a few weeks and really seemed like they were enjoying being with us. The house reeked of smoke as they puffed away. It was a strange situation. We had such a good visit however but when we left we smelled of cigarettes. From head to toe we smelled like we had been in a fire place. But I have to tell you it smelled great. When I got home after this visit my wife, Ellen put it into a great perspective. She said, "Wow, you smell like Jesus."

When I said before that this couple really enjoyed Creekside, that was an understatement! They were ready to come and make Creekside their church home. I just did not know how serious they were until today. Praise be to God that before our services started today, the lady of that house wanted to be baptized. When she expressed the desire, her husband said that though he had been baptized before, he wanted to again. So, we began our time together today with a couple being baptized into Jesus. They were so excited. He took the microphone away from us at the end of the service and proclaimed to the church, "I now have a church family and a home!" He also said that he wanted to open his house up to us to visit.

Following the lesson there were two more who wanted prayers and the whole congregation came forward and laid their hands on them. What a powerful confirmation of love and prayer! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!
Needless to say, we had a great day in the Lord!