THE AROMA OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

April 19, is National Garlic Day in the USA? On this day, there is a certain something in the air, because many people are eating foods cooked with garlic.

Looking back through history, did you know that Egyptians worshipped garlic as a god, and even used it as currency? Garlic supposedly gave strength to Greek athletes and warriors, warded off the evil eye, and protected maidens from evil nymphs. “It is amazing what people believed over the years.”

For me, I love any garlicky food and you don’t need to wait for April 19^th to share. Like garlic, the Bible is something that brings a knowledge of the aroma of the Living God. It also opens the door for the knowledge of His will to all that enjoy reading it.

Looking through the writings of the Apostle Paul, one finds many lessons around the area of living a life of faithfulness unto the Living God.

Firstly, when the Apostle Paul speak to the believers at Corinth, he said: “But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” 2 Cor. 2:14, 15, NLT.

Secondly, He goes on to say, “Be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:18-20, NLT.

Thirdly, Paul ascribed to God all the praise for the reconversion and transformation of heart and life: “Thanks be to God,” he exclaimed, “who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”

Heaven is calling us to be an aroma of righteousness to the world today. May your influence be all that it ought to be, in the eyes of the great watcher. 

As you go through your day, may “the Lord make you increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings.

Song of the day: Sweet, sweet spirit – By Acappella

https://youtu.be/2u_kl6KmISA

The GARDEN MINISTRY blog is produced by Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci 

DEEDS OF LOVE

There is a statement from years ago that says, "We are labourers together with God," called to represent Him as ambassadors of love. We are to cooperate with the work of the delegates of heaven. And to us is committed a work which even the angels cannot do. Man must be the channel to communicate with man." To better understand this statement, let me share with you a real story. 

At the Sunday morning church service of the Vernon Temple AME on April 16, 2023, in Bermuda. As they were celebrating Family Day, my first cousin, the senior pastor of the church, Pastor Dr. Leonard Santucci J.P. invited the congregation to lift a love offering for the Son of the Soil Russ Ford towards his medical expenses, and the people gave with a willing heart. Today I want to congratulate the good pastor and his church for the great work they have done and are still doing in the community with many others. 

The Bible encourages all to love not with words, but with deeds. “Little children, let us not love in word or speech only, but in deed, and in truth” 1 John 3:18. These words of the Apostle John voice an imperative that no one may disregard. That is this, love is not all words, but deeds! "In His work on earth, Christ lifts the veil that conceals the invisible world from our view and reveals the power that is constantly exercised for our good. The same ministry which He performed on earth was continued after His ascension to heaven. 

Through His representative, the Holy Spirit, God in Christ still ministers to the children of men." It is said of the early church, they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need." Acts 2:45. 

The church became a vitalizing power. Believers, themselves re-converted, were a living power for God and for His kingdom. A new song was put into their mouth, even praise to our God. Everyone converted saw in his brethren and sisters the faces of angels. One interest prevailed, one subject of emulation swallowed up all others, to be like Christ, to do the works of Christ, (in speech, deed, and in truth)! The earnest zeal felt was expressed in kindly helpfulness, in kindly looks, and brotherly love. All strove to see who could do the most for the enlargement of Christ's kingdom. This ministry is the great need of the church today." "Yet there have been times when some have not fully heeded this appeal and have assumed a worldly way of thinking." 

“Nature is an open book, from the study of which we may gain a knowledge of the Creator and be attracted to Him by the things of use and beauty which He has provided... “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” Matthew 6:30-31. Much unnecessary care and anxiety is felt in regard to our future, concerning what we shall eat and drink and wherewithal we shall be clothed. The labor and worry of needless display in apparel causes much fatigue and unhappiness and shortens our lives.” 

Today God is using different ways to bring all to a place of love and service for one another. Let us take a moment today to thank GOD for putting in His people, a spirit of deeds of love. 

For more on this story, go to link:

https://youtu.be/cYnTWuE-afQ 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci 

If you are blessed through today’s devotional, let us know.