Ever sit down with your Bible and still feel distracted, distant, or unsure how to connect with God? You’re not alone. That’s exactly why DaySpring created the Devotional Crossword Puzzle Book: Daily Moments with God — a refreshing way to quiet your mind, engage your heart, and draw closer to Him. Enjoy this excerpt:
“For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
2 Corinthians 2:15 NASB
Which scents evoke the strongest feelings or memories for you? Is it gingerbread or clove oranges at Christmas? The seaside air of a childhood vacation? The rose milk lotion that your grandmother wore? Which scents always stir you to close your eyes and remember? Are they good feelings or bad? Regardless, the sense of smell is extremely powerful in reminding us of where we’ve been and whom we’ve been with.
One striking thing about fragrances is that they can always be identified because they are always the same. Cinnamon is cinnamon; sulfur (yuck!) is sulfur. You know it when you smell it.
Jesus Himself has a fragrance. And whether a person likes Him or not, He is known. A person cannot be confronted with Him and not be changed, and a person cannot forget the impact of His influence. As you and I get to know Him, we begin to take on the fragrance of Christ. Sweet to anyone with an open heart and bitter to those who aren’t interested, the presence of Jesus in us makes an impact on others. We can change the world that way. We can leave the essence of His love and grace everywhere we go, and pray that the scent of our Savior becomes the sweetest smell that anyone will ever remember.
God, make me a diffuser for the fragrance of Christ! Make me more and more like You so people will be drawn to Your presence. Amen.
The Devotional Crossword Puzzle Book: Daily Moments With God has thirty-six devotions like the one you just read, each one pointing you to a loving God who cares deeply for you. After each devotion, you’ll find a crossword puzzle with clues that directly correspond with that day’s message and Scripture passages! You’re invited to refresh your spirit with what it needs most — the presence of God. As you read the devotions and work through the puzzles, you will engage with His Word, listen for His voice, and find rest in His arms.
Get comfy, grab a pencil, and get ready for your heart to be warmed, your spirit to be refreshed, and your mind to be both challenged and inspired.
We LOVE this devotional puzzle book, and we think you will too… so we’re giving away FIVE copies*! To enter, just leave a comment below.
What a beautiful reminder of the presence & impact we have when Christ is in us.
Especially liked the example of the different scents & how they evoke a ‘pleasant’ association or not so much!
Thinking this devo would be the perfect gift for my aging mom!
This seems like a great way to end the day!