"Fragrance Free?"

“Fragrance Free?”

(Another cooperative venture with Karen)

I recently took one of our vehicles to a local car wash. When it was done the attendant asked if I’d like the inside sprayed with a scented mist. I chose one—and I had to leave the windows open for several days to get the strong smell out! And when Karen and I walk through a mall we try to avoid getting too close to stores selling strongly scented items (candles, perfumes, etc.) as allergies make us prone to headaches. As with foods, too much of something pleasant can have negative effects. So we usually buy fragrance free products when they’re available.

Numerous times in the Old Testament it’s stated that an offering to God was “…an aroma pleasing to the Lord.” (e.g. Leviticus 1:9,13,17), indicating He took delight in His people’s heartfelt worship. It was also a picture of Christ who “…gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2). And Paul used this imagery in thanksgiving for the gifts his friends at Philippi sent while he was under house arrest in Rome (“They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”—Philippians 4:18).

The Romans borrowed this idea for parades honoring generals who led their armies to victory. As the victors and vanquished made their way through the streets of Rome the pagan priests offered incense in celebration. Paul applied this practice to the believers of his day and in turn to us when he wrote, “…Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ….” (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). So God doesn’t want us to be fragrance free—He expects us to emit the aroma of His presence in and through our lives. The question is, what scent are we bringing to the world He’s called us to influence?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim and Karen McMillan

"God Hugs"

“God Hugs”

(A joint effort with Karen)

 

During a difficult time for our family almost 30 years ago Karen often found solace by walking through the woods at a Christian camp. One day as she neared a pond she saw a deer calmly drinking. Later as she described the scene to me she called it a “God Hug” and remembered the psalmist’s words “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1). He used this special moment to encourage her (and me) that He’s always there and ready to touch His people in a special way to bring encouragement in a time of need.

Karen’s definition of a “God Hug” is an action in which He reaches out to His child in a way specifically designed to meet her or him by which He can uniquely show His love. Because of her appreciation for animals and the wonders of God’s creation this ministered to her in a way that might not have to someone else. But a God hug to others could be through a need met in an unexpected fashion, a kind word from another person (“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.”—Proverbs 25:11, The Message), a beautiful sunset at the end of a trying day, a flower bed with its array of colors, or in a myriad of other ways meant to touch us with His love. So He can hug us wherever we are by any means He chooses.

In my boyhood days I remember a comic book character called Plastic Man. He could stretch his limbs to great lengths to do good things like capture the bad guys. While distance is no problem to God (“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save….”—Isaiah 59:1) His hugs are much more intimate when we’re walking close to Him. In James 4:8 Jesus’ brother writes, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” But note we must take the initiative and once we do we can be sure He’ll meet us with wide-open arms.

Take a moment to think of how many God hugs you’ve received over the past few days. Lots of them, right? Now thank Him for showing you how special you are to Him.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim and Karen McMillan

"Little by Little"

“Little by Little”

In an ironical twist one of my favorite Scripture passages contains one of my least favorite admonitions. I learned it while working at a Christian camp in 1960. Summarized, Psalm 37:3-5 (KJV) says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good…Delight thyself also in the Lord…Commit thy way unto the Lord….” Each statement is followed by a promise. But then comes Verse 7: “Rest in the Lord,” followed by the not-so-welcome directive, “…wait patiently for him….” The Hebrew word carries the thought of anticipation, so in this case we’re to stop our frenzied activity as God works His plan for us. Hard to do (been there, haven’t you?) but His timing is always right.

I’ve been reading Deuteronomy in my quiet time and came across something I’d never noticed before. The book records Moses’ final discourse to Israel in preparation for entering the Promised Land. One recurring theme is God’s giving His people victory over their enemies. But how would He do this? “The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little.” (7:22, emphasis added). Psalm 37 wasn’t written until some four centuries later, but God was calling on Israel to “…wait patiently for him….” The Book of Joshua records how He kept His word as they did.

We’re living in a world in which instant results are expected, be it in political change, career advancement, business progress, and even in our lives as Christ’s followers. Each of these areas is made up of many parts which don’t always come together immediately or automatically. Think of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. The picture is on the box but it takes time for the pieces to be put in place to make it a complete unit.

The verse goes on to say, “You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once….” The note in the Life Application Study Bible says in part, “God had the power to destroy those nations instantly, but He chose to do it in stages. In the same way…God could miraculously and instantaneously change your life. Usually, however, He chooses to help you gradually….” Why? So we can “…add to (our) faith goodness…knowledge…self-control…perseverance…godliness…brotherly kindness…love.” (2 Pater 1:5-7). And remember, He shapes us little by little until we’re with Him (see Philippians 1:6). So “…wait patiently for him….” He’ll come through.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Worthy of Respect"

“Worthy of Respect”

 

When I began my CPE Chaplaincy Residence in August 2009 one of the first peers I met was Brian Ogburn. Even though he was a life-long South Carolinian and I a transplanted Yankee our common faith soon drew us together and we became good friends. Brian had owned a successful insurance agency and had served God faithfully as a layman throughout his life. He was in his 50’s when he answered God’s call, left the business world, enrolled in seminary, and after graduation entered the chaplain training program. As we worked together I saw his heart for God and hurting people and learned a lot from watching his interactions with patients, colleagues, and staff.

By God’s appointment Brian followed me on overnight call on the last weekend of our residency. As I was preparing to hand the pager off I shared with him that I’d recently completed my “think list” from Philippians 4:8 (“…Whatever is true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable…think about such things.”). I told him that under noble (which means worthy of respect) his name was right under Jesus’. He responded that he felt unworthy of such a description but I assured him that in my mind (and that of others as well) he certainly was.

Both of us worked as hospice chaplains following our course’s completion and saw each other occasionally until I retired and moved to Lakeland in 2014. Even thereafter we kept in touch periodically via emails. Then in the fall of 2015 I heard through a mutual colleague, Ed Cheek, that Brian had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite aggressive treatment his condition worsened and God took him to Heaven on April 2, 2017 at the age of 64. I echo Ed’s words: “I never met a more godly or gifted chaplain.” And I add my own observation: He was the prototype of what a chaplain is and does.

Brian’s family and friends, his church, and the hospice world are poorer now that he’s no longer among us. But Heaven is certainly richer as Jesus welcomed him into His presence with the words, “well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21,23). So until that great reunion with believers of all ages, Brian, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3). May your tribe increase!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan