Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
7 25 2025
Heavenly Fragrances that please God and mirror His presence.
“Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you!” Song of Songs 1:3
Meaning: The name and character of the beloved (prophetically alluding to Christ) are likened to fragrances—drawing others with irresistible beauty.
As followers of Christ, our lives are to give off the aroma of obedience, love, prayer, sacrifice, and worship—an invisible testimony that delights the heart of God and draws others to Him.
But what about the practical side of living?
Have you ever been around someone who always seemed to have an unpleasant odor? Smoke, perspiration, perfume that was too heavy. How about obscene language, or constant negativity, unforgiving, or always complaining, always picking, or seeing the glass half empty, angry, or gossiping, or constantly talking about themselves? The list of aromas that people put off is quite lengthy. But there is a fragrance pleasing to the Lord…A sweet incense that honors and blesses him. But how often do we use that filter as we go through our week? How frequently are we checking our attitudes, words,
or actions at the gate of scriptures that talk about just that?
- Exodus 29:18 (ESV) “And burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord.”
Meaning: Offerings made in obedience and purity rise to God as a pleasing fragrance, symbolizing devotion and surrender. Someone once told me to never to offer a sacrifice to God that costs you nothing.
How many times have we heard the term surrender. What does living a life of full surrender practically look like?
Practical Examples:
- Start each morning by surrendering your day to God in prayer, asking Him to lead every conversation and decision.
- Let go of your own agenda when a friend or spouse needs you, putting others ahead of your preferences.
- Release control over a situation you’re trying to manage and trust God’s timing—even when it doesn’t make sense.
Bottom line: Live in full surrender. Just as the entire ram was consumed in sacrifice, live wholly for God—not compartmentalized. Give Him your time, your plans, your struggles. “Lord, consume every part of me. Let my whole life be Yours.”
- Allow me to take this a step further in Leviticus 1:9 (NIV) “…and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.”
|This describes the washing of the entrails and legs of a burnt offering from the herd (this represents our innermost being.. The heart, our emotions. The legs signifying our daily walk must be washed, and then the burning of the entire animal on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This too signifies total dedication and complete surrender to God.
Jesus surely was the ultimate sacrifice, whose blood once and for all cleanses us to be worthy of a relationship with God. But after receiving God’s forgiveness and acceptance, we should be in awe of His holy sacrifice and live a holy life, and show forth the fruit of spiritual growth.
Meaning: Pursue holiness, even in the small things.
Practical Examples:
- Refuse to lie or bend the truth at work, even when it would benefit you.
- Choose to avoid gossip or negative talk in social settings and speak life instead.
- Keep your thoughts pure by limiting what you watch or listen to, even if it’s popular or entertaining.
3. 2 Corinthians 2:14–15 – Spreading Christ’s Aroma is not relegated to the Old Testament.
“Spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him…”
Meaning: We are to represent Christ in every encounter.
Practical Examples:
- Show patience and kindness to a difficult coworker, knowing your attitude may reflect Christ to them.
- Keep a Bible verse or devotional at your desk or on your phone to open conversations about faith. Its not just for Sunday mornings.
- Volunteer in your church and community as a tangible way to share Christ’s love through action. Are you a participant or just a consumer?
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Ps 19:14
4. Ephesians 5:2 – Sacrificial Love “Walk in love… a fragrant offering.”
Meaning: Love sacrificially, like Christ.
Practical Examples:
- Forgive someone who hasn’t apologized, freeing them and yourself from bitterness.
- Help a friend or neighbor move, watch their kids, or run errands even when it’s inconvenient.
- Visit someone in the hospital, a nursing home, or prison to show them they are not forgotten.
Lord, I know that life is busy and I am older now but don’t let me fall back and neglect offering up the fragrant sacrifices of my life. I never want to be too old to serve and offer up an aroma of praise and good works.
5. Philippians 4:18 – Generosity as Worship “A sweet-smelling sacrifice…”
Meaning: Live generously—it pleases God.
Practical Examples:
- Give to a missionary, ministry, or local cause—even if it means going without something yourself.
- Surprise someone with groceries, gas money, or help paying a bill.
- Offer your time and talents to serve in church or your community without needing recognition.
Lord help me to savor your presence, your fragrance as I bow in awe of your majesty. Lord help me not to lose the essence of my relationship with you. I want to grow new fruit. I want to continue growing and offering up a holy incense in my daily living to you. Help me, so your sweet presence comes before serving.
6. Revelation 5:8 – Prayer as Fragrance “Golden bowls full of incense… the prayers of the saints.”
Meaning: Pray sincerely and consistently.
Practical Examples:
- Keep a prayer journal and regularly lift up people by name—family, friends, even enemies. Write down your praise reports.
- Pause to pray WITH someone when they share a need, rather than just saying “I’ll pray for you.”
- Begin and end your day in prayer to align your heart and mind with God’s will.
“…Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” Revelation 5:8 (NIV)
When we live in surrender, purity, love, generosity, and prayer, we become like incense before God: a fragrant offering rising to heaven. But in it all, He is that to us. We can’t get lost in the worship that makes us feel so good, and lose the Holy essence that it is about Jesus and “Spreading the aroma of the knowledge of Him…”
These simple yet powerful practices release His aroma into a watching world and foster growth for a loving family, both near and far.
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