July 24-30, 2010
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Fine Fragrances "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God... " II Corinthians 2:15a, NAS "We Christians have the unmistakable scent of Christ " II Corinthians 2:15a, J.B. Phillips
We are not the only ones who love good smells. Our love relationship with God and every expression of that love is His favorite smell. The Scriptures mention several demonstrations of our love that linger pleasantly in the nostrils of God: 1. Being in Christ – “For we are to God the aroma of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:15). God glories in His creation especially those who have been made new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). With the exception of a few unpleasant smells my children have put off over the years, I love their smell because they are mine. They carry my name. Our Father cherishes the reality that we carry His name! 2. Sharing the knowledge of Him with others – “through us He spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him” (2 Corinthians 2:14). God smells our godly influence when we share the truth and treasure of the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed. 3.Sacrificing in order to meet the needs of others – “the gifts you sent are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Walking in love through sacrificial giving reminds the Heavenly Father of the pleasing sacrifice His Son made for us (Ephesians 5:2). Stinginess and greediness are unpleasant odors to the Father but giving that takes the shape of the cross puts off a pleasant aroma that reaches all the way to heaven. 4. Praying to God – John the Apostle reminds us that the prayers of God’s children are like incense. “The prayers of the saints” are a pleasing smell to the Father. Hearing from you activates the Lord’s senses. Through our being in Him, sharing Him, sacrificing for Him, and praying to Him, we give God something good to smell forever! For More Fine Fragrances,
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The sense of smell is a sacred gift. Just ask those who have lost it. Smell has the power to both disturb and comfort us. It can even take us back to the beginnings of love relationships. I still remember the smell of perfume Tonya wore when we first met. Meeting her and marrying her made Solomon’s words to his beloved come true in my life: “Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out” (Song of Songs 1:3). One night after Tonya traveled away from home, I hugged her pillow close. Her fragrance brought the warm suggestion of her presence. There is a sweetness to love founded in Christ.
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Sunday - Pray for Pastor Chris and the Worship Team as they lead us in worship. Monday - Praise God for the freedom to worship. Tuesday - Pray for those in our church who are in transition. Wednesday - Praise God for His provision in our lives. Thursday - Pray the Orchard children and youth. Friday - Praise God for His unconditional love and grace. Saturday - Pray for hearts ready to worship tomorrow. |
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Weekly Need: $5,386 YTD Total Over/Under Need: To be updated soon. All contributions given to The Orchard Church will be used exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with laws governing a tax-exempt organization organized under state law provisions and that of the Internal Revenue Code. In keeping with the foregoing commitment, we reserve the right to distribute all funds contributed to the area of greatest need. |
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CLICK HERE... The Cruciform Life
Don't miss opportunities to learn more about living a cross-centered, Cruciform life each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in Acts 2:42 and at 10:30 a.m. in worship. August 4 Kidz Blitz Our next Kidz Blitz for children ages 3 - rising 6th grade will be on August 4 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Each child should bring 3 dozen homemade cookies and meet at the church. We will be packaging and delivering the cookies to a senior living facility. Drivers will be needed as the children and youth will be participating in this service opportunity.
Dates at a Glance Mark your calendars for the following events: Aug 4 - Kidz Blitz |
Inviting lost and hurting people to receive New Life and Healing!
