2.14.8 "The Scent of Life"

"The Scent of Life"

Exodus 37:1-38:31
Matthew 28:1-20
Psalm 34:11-22
Proverbs 9:9-10

I'm no expert on the physiology of the brain, but I remember hearing that the area used to process what we smell is close to the memory area. At least that's what i remember smelling... er... hearing... But it's amazing how smelling something brings back memories. Southeast Wisconsin is having an unbelievable winter. It reminds me of growing up in Northern Minnesota. We've had some cold patches where it actually "smelled" cold. (hence the nostalgia, i guess)

Yesterday I was out for a walk and I pulled a leaf off an orange tree and smelled it. Before you think I lost my mind, I should tell you that I'm on a short trip to Phoenix. Don't worry, I wont mention that it was in the mid 70's yesterday... But back to the point... Having been entrenched in winter, it's easy to forget the smell of living things. During some free time yesterday I sat in the grass outside working on my laptop. The smell of the grass reminded me of spring back home. There's flowers on some trees here that don't bode well for the allergy portion of my brain, but there's that smell of life.

So what's all this about? In Matthew 28 we read the Easter story. The women went to the tomb and encountered an angel. "'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't ehre! He is risen from the dead, jsut as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.'" (Matt. 28:5-7)

In the middle of a cold "dead" winter, we can forget that "life" is on the way. Sometimes the "scent" of our Christian walk has developed a bit of a "stink" to it. We become critical, judgemental, complacent, and even compromising. When we find ourselves in that musty smell of mediocrity, we must go back and remember that Jesus is alive! He lives in us, and when we live in the knowledge and the victory of this understanding, Incredible life springs forth.

We must live in a fresh anointing with intensity, confidence, and hope. Matthew 28:18 says, "Jesus came and told his disciples, I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations," baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

What do you smell like today? Ok, that might not be the best question to ask, but when people see your life today, will it remind them "Jesus is Alive!" This is how we need to live: with the Scent of Life.




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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