Sweet Smelling Savor

An Approachable God Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 2:15) How often when you come into the presence of God, do you feel like you need to cover your face, or you cannot look Him in the eye because of the way you have been living your life. Because the light of the word has not come to, nor has it been understood by many. This is explained by Paul in 2 Cirinthians.It says in (4:13) “Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (who are lost in their sin), (2 Corinthians 4:3) Then in chapter 3 it explains more. Where Paul tells us how Moses would “put a veil over his face” (v. 13) when he descended from Mount Sinai. He had to do so because God’s glory still shone from his face after he’d spoken with Him (see Exodus 34:29-35). Here it tells us that God in those days was too terrifying to approach (Exodus 19:12-13). Paul wrote, “Even to this day, when Moses [the Law] is read, a veil covers [the people’s] hearts. Peoples eyes are blinded, and the gospel must be presented clearly for the veil to be lifted. Because whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:15-16). The Israelites back in the bible times could not go into the Holy of Holies, nor into the very presence of God, but today, God has made that possible, through the power of Jesus, now we can draw near to Him. Jesus did not lessen the power of God, but He became the power of God in human form, so we could come into Gods presence. He shields us, from the wrath of God, and now we can bring to Him all our pain, fears, and doubts and find confidence and comfort, as we can now aproach God and come near to Him. Jesus become the power of God in us. We become a "sweet-smelling savor" (or aroma) to God with actions that are pleasing, acceptable, and fragrant to Him. When we do acts of obedience, sacrificial love, generous giving, and sincere praise, because of believing and accepting Jesus, we have become good examples by becoming a living sacrifice and the lives as believers now reflect who Jesus is. (Romans 12:1-2) encourages believers to offer their bodies as a "living sacrifice," which is a spiritual act of worship. (Philippians 4:18) when we us our spiritual gifts in service to God and for God, they become a sweet-smelling aroma" that is pleasing to God. Our praise and worship to God, in both good times and bad os like fragrant incense that draws us and God closer together. (Revelation 8:4). My friends, I understand and know, that at times we go through stuff that we believe is to much for us to bare. Paul, in 2 Corinthians, the describes how he too, has experienced suffering, “far beyond [his] ability to endure, so that [he] despaired of life itself” (1:8). But he, as I have found that touble and dispair are good teachers, that teach us to find hope only in “God, who raises the dead” (v. 9). God is all powerful, and with Him all things are possible. I am finding that its not to late to take the gospel message out into the world that is still full of mperfect “jars of clay” of bodies who still need Christ’s salvation, and resurrection life and His hope that can shine through. Thus unvealing their faces and helping them see the light. Help them see “that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (4:7). Because as people lift their broken hearts up to God, God takes their prayers and puts together the broken pieces of thier life, and sets them whole once again of the straight and narrow road to everlasting life. To be molded and transformed into an offering, "a sweet smelling SAVOR" For the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. my King. Lord Jesus, I thank you that I can bring my pain and lay it at the feet of my God and He will give comfort to my soul. And a Hope that will last for all eternity. Lord, it is such a comfort to feel that transforming love of the putting together of the pieces of my life as you change me moment by moment ino your likeness I thank You that hope is real even when I can’t feel it. Lord, I offer my life to you this day, that I might be a sweet smelling Savor in your nostreles. In your name I pray AMEN..