Wednesday’s Devotion: The Nose Remembers USED

John 12:3  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Someone planted beautiful climbing roses along the fence at the end of our street.  They started blooming this week and as I walked last night I caught that unmistakable familiar scent. As a matter of fact I smell the roses before I saw them.  Everything seems to be happening earlier this year!  The scent brought back memories of Valentine and anniversary bouquets and of blooms cut from a member’s yard and arranged for my office.  Towards the Dogwood Drive end of my street I caught a whiff of another unmistakable smell – that of pit cooked Southern barbecue. I thought the roses smelled great but this made me weak in the knees!  I had flashbacks to all the school fund-raising barbecues I’ve attended in my life and of the search for the perfect barbecue restaurant during vacations.  There have been other times when I’ve caught a scent that triggered memories.  I wonder if that happens for others, too.  The disciples would probably never smell nard again without remembering Mary’s generous anointing and understanding what it foretold. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  Maybe I can’t remember Christ by smell, but I can remember his life, love and death through scripture and song and by sharing with others.  I’m going to do more of that during Holy Week and hope you will, too.

Thank you Lord, for the wonders of scents; for the fragrances that are pleasing to us.  Help them to bring back good memories and help us to remember your Son who gave so much for us.  We ask in his name. Amen.

Modified and used 8-31-21

Tuesday's Devotion: Precious Memories

Deuteronomy 7:19  You will remember the hard trials you saw, the powerful works, and the strong hand and powerful arm the Lord your God used to bring you out.

I did a search on the word “remember” in Bible Gateway and found 367 Bible verses that contained the word in some form. In Scripture the memories seemed to fall into two categories; people remembering the might acts of God and God not remembering the people’s sins.  I think they go together.  Memory is central to our life.  Last night Joe and I attended the Fellowship class Christmas party.  Our music minister, Thomas Sheets prepared a good program for the evening.  He asked the folks to share growing-up Christmas memories.  Several talked about growing up during the Depression.  They remembered where they lived in Hapeville.  One grew up in Brooklyn.  We enjoyed hearing the stories.  Riches and health and loved ones may come and go in our life, but as long as we keep our mental faculties, we have memories to cheer us.  When Joe and I were in a Young Couples Sunday school class I remember one classmate who would organize grand parades for his children through their house on Saturday mornings.  He said, “We are making memories.”  I hope we’re all intentional about creating good memories for our future.

Father in heaven, thank you for the good memories we have in our lives, including memories of the times you have worked in our life to our benefit.  May we continue to make memories for the future.  Be with us as we continue to go through our week.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.