Have you ever asked yourself, what is that smell when you get a whiff of your breath? I have, and I am a bit embarrassed to say that it is because I don’t floss my teeth every day; it’s more like twice a week. I am just being honest. However, I do brush several times a day.

Though, I defiantly floss and use mouth wash before going to the dentist for my annual cleaning. I am sure I am not the only one that does this, right?

Why do we thoroughly clean our mouths before we sit in the hygienist’s chair? Easy we don’t want our mouths to smell. Brushing gives the appearance of having clean teeth, but it isn’t until we floss that we can have a fresh-smelling mouth.

You might be asking yourself, where is she going with this, right? Well, I have been in continued prayer for our Nation. I pray while I feed the dog, make my bed, get ready for work, and even when I drive.

One morning as I was getting around for work, I got a hint that it was time to floss my mouth. As I began to string the floss between my teeth, this was dropped in my heart.  The church prepares her/himself more appropriately before going to the dentist than she/he does before coming before the Throne.

Suddenly I felt convicted, believing that everything about our lives has a fragrance – even a sound.

We read in scripture that our prayers are ‘incense’ offered up to the Lord.

Revelations 5:8 NLT And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.

When my prayers are offered up to the Throne of God, anchored in confidence that what Jesus taught is true – I believe they have a fragrance that is pleasing to the Lord God.

But I also believe the opposite is true. If I have an attitude, whether it be resentment or fear, it would have an offensive scent. 

Did you know even our tithe offering has a scent? Do we give out of duty or trust?

But in all cases, our hearts’ position is what produces the fragrance [or stench].

This year 2020, has been difficult for all of us in different ways.  But not everything is terrible, challenging, yes,  but not all bad.  

Since about February, I have been taking a closer look at my own heart and what I am truly believing.

Have I asked myself:  Have I compromised in any area in my life that would go against the Word of God?

2 Corinthians 10:5 AMP

We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,

Have my words been full of life or death?

Proverbs 18:21 NLT The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Have I forgiven others just as Jesus has forgiven me?

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Am I doing the work of God?

John 6:26-29 NLT Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.

Bottom line, if I want the United States of America to be all that God has called her to be, it first starts with me. Seriously, until we [the church] align ourselves in what we ‘proclaim’ to believe, how can we be that Nation of hope? 

I finish by just asking one question; have we [who proclaim to be Christ followers] humbled ourselves?

2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

Church, it is time we floss.