Grilling season is upon us; Hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, corn on the cob & various vegetables – the list is only limited by your imagination…

Let’s not forget steak; but which cut of meat and how should it be cooked? Some people like their steak well done while others like it any number of degrees less, down to just searing the steak on the outside with the inside just cooked enough to allow it to be palatable, everyone has their own preferences. Then the debate extends towards what type of grill is the best. Many like the convenience of a gas grill, while wood fired grills are becoming popular today. For me nothing can compare to the smokey flavor of a charcoal grill. It may take a little longer to allow the charcoal to create the proper heat but the wait is worth every minute – I can smell the luscious aroma as I write this post.

It seems everyone has their own grilling technique. A favorite for various meats is to marinate it before placing it on the grill. The seasonings used and the length of time for the meat to marinate varies but the “Grill Masters” claim this process is essential towards creating the optimum result. For some people they have mastered grilling to an art form, great care and time have been involved toward perfecting their expertise.

What if we were concerned as much about living a life that emulates Christ as we were about grilling the perfect steak? What if we marinated our minds with Christ’s teachings? What if Christ so permeated our lives that when the fire of life torches us, we radiate the fragrance of Christ that we are marinated in. The Apostle Paul advises followers of Christ to: “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.” (Colossians 3:16) In other words, may you be totally immersed, marinated thoroughly, with Christ, that His teachings become soaked into our very being.

Today as you consider Bending-A-Knee in prayer at noon may you continue or start the process of immersing yourself in Christ. Just as the marinade you put on a steak permeates the meat itself and produces a succulent mouthful of enjoyment, so a life immersed in Christ results in one making a positive impact for God’s Kingdom. When one is saturated with Christ, He becomes part of one’s being, His nature becomes your nature.

May your words & actions serve as a reflection of Christ wherever you go and in whatever you do as you marinate your mind in Christ’s teachings.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike