Have you ever been really hungry – sitting in your favorite Mexican food restaurant – and before you can even order – a waiter walks by your table carrying a sizzling platter of fajitas?   The fragrant aroma grabs your attention – you’re drawn toward it – and are tempted to follow the platter and find some new friends at another table  (the table where the fajitas land)!  

Maybe it’s not fajitas for you, but have you ever come home after a long day’s work to the smell of someone grilling steak next door?  The aroma is enticing; your mouth waters, your sense of smell is heightened, you’re drawn in the direction of that meat being offered up on the grill.

If for some unknown reason you don’t like the smell of grilled fajitas or steak…..think of some fragrance that does get your attention and read on!

In the NT there are 4 places where there’s a picture of this kind of enticing attention getter.  And the phrases indicate that these things get the attention of God; that He is drawn to them – like we’re drawn to the fajitas or steak.    These 4 places in the NT include a phrase in the original language that gives the picture of a sacrifice that literally pleases the heart of God.   They give us a picture of 4 things you and I can do that are not only noticed by God, but that bring pleasure to Him.  I’m not going to try and explain the passages, but hope you’ll take a closer look for yourself and make them a part of your life!

A GOD-FOCUSED LIFE – Rom. 12:1-2

GENEROSITY Toward Kingdom Work – Phil 4:18

GIVING PRAISE TO GOD – Hebrews 13:15-16

GENEROSITY & GOODNESS  Toward Others – Hebrews 13:16

Check them out, then check out your life.    How are you doing with these sacrifices that are well-pleasing to God?