Good morning people whose lives produce something beautiful even under pressure.

Exodus 27:20 NIV “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.”

What comes out of us in times of pressing and pressure?

The oil of our lives when we are pressed should be clear. This is what God requires from us.

The men and women of God who we admire and respect from the Bible were men and women, who in times of strong opposition and pressure, turned to God. In doing so, they also turned others to God.

Pressure is a part of life – there is no escaping this.

But the result of pressure in our lives is determined by us. The posture of our heart and the pursuit of our focus in times of testing is what truly marks our lives. Mountain tops are wonderful, but it is in the valleys where gold is refined and oil is pressed.

I have always loved what James says when he talks about the potential of what can be produced in our lives through difficultly:

James 1:2-4 NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

It’s time to keep a sweet spirit even when things are not sweet in our lives. By this there will be a compelling testimony to others about the fragrance of Christ.