“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

The great missionary Paul the Apostle received a very special gift from the Philippian believers. It truly blessed his life in that it not only provided for his immediate needs, it also demonstrated that he was not alone in his ministry. He had people who loved him and cared about him. He likened their love gift as a sweet-smelling fragrance to our awesome God.

This reminds me of an older missionary couple who had served the Lord all of their lives. They suddenly had a great financial need. They were committed to talking only with the Lord about this need. They knew that while there was nothing wrong with reporting needs and asking people to pray and even give, this was a personal need, and they just simply laid out their needs before the Lord. In a wonderful way the Lord laid that great need upon the heart of a well-to-do businessman. When that gift arrived, it was truly a sweet fragrance to God as well as the missionary. How about you? Are you living in a way that your life and actions produce a sweet fragrance to God?

For today: I want my life to be pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others. How about you?