The Fragrance of Love

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners,

Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

It's great news to know that God loves us! And it's amazing that Jesus, the Son of God, continued on to Calvary for us, even knowing that not everyone would choose to believe, and all because of His love for us! He willingly laid down His life for us, bearing the sins of the world.

 

The fragrance of prayer...Mary must have known something about prayer. She came to rely on Jesus, who had the wonderful words of life. When Jesus left this world after the resurrection and was no longer physically present for the people around him, they had to make a decision about His words like:

 "And surely I will be with you always,

 to the very end of the age." 

(Matthew 28:20b) 

People had to choose to continue to believe. Mary and others chose to believe in God's Word and prayer. We do the same today. Make prayer like breathing...essential to your existence and continuation.

And if the Spirit of him who raised

 Jesus from the dead is living in you,

he who raised Christ from the dead

will also give life to your mortal bodies

through his Spirit,

 who lives in you.

Romans 8:11

How does someone get the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead? Belief...Just good old belief. God looks at hearts. You and I see the way we see but God sees better. Jesus saw Mary's heart. When she poured the pure nard, He saw her doing a beautiful thing...from her heart. She had sinned much and she knew she was forgiven much. Mary did what she could. And it would be told, in memory of her. (Mark 14:9) Doesn't she inspire you to do what you can, with what you have, in the place you are? Does me!

And He makes intercession for us when we pray:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us

in our weakness. We do not know what

we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself

intercedes for us with groans

that words cannot express.

Romans 8:26 

Prepare your heart for the upcoming season of Easter with prayer.
Prayer is relying on God and choosing to follow the most excellent way...the way of love.