GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #374 January 5, 2002 Smells The sense of smell is strongly tied to our emotions and our memories. The smell of pipe tobacco brings back pleasant memories of my father when I was younger (although I‘m glad he no longer smokes). Our congregation burns beeswax candles at the Christmas Eve worship services. Whenever I smell beeswax I think of Christmas Eve. A friend recently mentioned that the smell of diesel fuel reminds him of a ministry tour bus he once owned. The bus was frequently broken down at times when there was no money to fix it. For him the memories are unpleasant. Incense was used in Jewish worship from the early days of the tabernacle. There were certain fragrances that were only permitted for worship. When you smelled those scents, you thought of God. Throughout the Old Testament, when something was pleasing to God, it was considered a fragrant offering. That theme is echoed in the New Testament as well Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV When we live a life of obedience, it is a fragrant offering to God. In Biblical imagery, the opposite of fragrance is a stench. If a life of obedience is a fragrant offering, it would seem a life of disobedience is a stench. What does your life smell like right now? Until next time, may all you do be a fragrant offering to God.  God bless. Kevin Is you life leaving an unpleasant smell? There is cleansing and forgiveness available for everyone who will accept it. Email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Jesus is important and a prayer that will make it possible. Choose Jesus today. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com.  or write us at : Gleanings From The Word, 114 Oak Street, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada, T8A 0V8        At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the  permissions page on our website CrossDaily.com Awesome Christian Sites Click Here Vote For This Site © 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin   All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE BACK ISSUES