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Can You Smell That?

Written by Pastor Eric Everhart

As Pastor Tim mentioned this past Sunday, I got the cool chance to join him in picking up his honey bees for the new season. I enjoyed spending time with pastor Tim and getting to learn about God’s amazing creatures who make one of the sweetest of treats. And although I learned some new dance moves trying to get the bees out of my pant legs (thanks for sharing, Pastor Tim), I learned something very interesting that day.

When we picked up the bees, they were packaged with thousands of them swarmed together at the top of a wooden box. Pastor Tim explained to me that they put the queen bee in a smaller box to keep her separated from the regular bees. This small box is placed inside the larger box and the honey bees swarm around the queen. They were clustered together around the queen keeping her safe. Pastor Tim shared with me that the “worker bees” are attracted to the queen by the scent she gives off. Even if the bees were all mixed together with several different hives, the bees would know which queen was theirs by her smell–her scent would draw them to her. WOW, God is so awesome!!! 

This got me thinking in a “faith” way! What draws us to Jesus? There are so many smells and aromas in this world that beg our senses for attention–what draws us to Christ? Can you smell the sweet aroma of God’s love and salvation for you? Here are a few “Faith Aromas” that  should keep our senses pointed in the direction of the King:

Jesus’ Work on the Cross: There is no greater fragrance than that of the amazing sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. He laid down his own life for the world, giving salvation and eternal life to all who believe in him! Eternal life: a sweetness so great it is almost irresistible. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

God’s Word: Whether you are doing your daily devotions, digging into his word for a bible study, or reading along as a pastor preaches, God’s word brings a sweet smell that draws us close to him. Be still in God’s word everyday and be drawn into his presence. “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1Peter 1:23

His Holy Spirit: As Christ-followers, God has placed the Holy Spirit in our hearts. He is our counselor, comfort, and guide. The beautiful smell of the Holy Spirit should pull us closer to our heavenly Father as we realize we cannot do this life without the Spirit’s leading, strength, comfort, and peace. Seek the Spirit and experience life, abundantly! “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Romans 8:9

Our Circumstances: In life, we go through many ups and downs. We face trials and joys everyday! Sometimes our situations have a foul odor to them; other times they have the fragrance of a field full of flowers. No matter the smell…..our God promises to be with us always, to walk with us in both the trials and joys of this life. Because we are children of the Father above, we have hope–in all circumstances and situations–because we know that God will use all these things for our good….to draw us closer to him and to bring witness and Glory to himself. Even the foulest of times in our lives will give off a beautiful smell that will draw us in closer to the King, our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Savior. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4  

It is so easy to get drawn into the bad odors of this world but God calls us to himself. Can you smell the fragrances of our awesome God…the sweetness of his holiness, the aroma of his love for you? Don’t be fooled by the artificial sweeteners of this world…draw near and cling to the King!

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