What Heaven Smells Like

A delightful fragrance enveloped me. Looking around the foyer I spotted the perfume’s fount.  A dozen or so Easter lily’s huddled together, exuding their potent, sweet scent.  I couldn't resist. Bending down, I poked my nose into one of the large white trumpet shaped flowers and inhaled, deeply. Again and again. Is this what heaven will smell like? I wondered.

Throughout the day that question played in my mind.  So I did a Google search.

I discovered Scripture is full of imagery of what God looks like or sounds like. Tabernacle incense is mentioned, but what about heaven’s scent?  

When a panel of adults was asked, "What does heaven smell like?" they mentioned, "freshly baked bread, an ever-flowing river of chocolate, freshly roasted coffee, the smell of barbecue on a hot summer day." Kids commented, "bubble gum, hot dogs, spaghetti or pizza."

Does Jesus Still Heal Today?

Jesus’ blood paid for our sins, (Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 9:14-15). Jesus’ sacrificial, unconditional love provided our way to enjoy a personal relationship with Him. But that’s not all!

On the cross Jesus also acquired our healing. “He heals all your diseases, (literally deadly diseases)” (Psalm 103:3). “… the punishment needed to obtain peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes that wounded Him we are healed and made whole” (Isaiah 53:5).

One morning after discussing and studying Scriptures with my husband about healing and living a supernatural lifestyle, we happened to face a great opportunity. Driving through our neighborhood, we happened to see our neighbor at his mailbox. Feeling compelled, we stopped.  Immediately, he shared about his severe back pain. It had him confined to bed for several days.

Singing in the Shadows

Imagine Jesus and His disciples singing, “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad” mere moments before His violent arrest, just days before His crucifixion. “And when they had sung a hymn, [specifically from Psalms 115-118 celebrating triumph and deliverance], they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:30).  

Why was Jesus singing under impending horrific circumstances?

Praise at the Passover was not only Hebrew tradition; for Jesus it was also soul preparation. Preparing Him for unjust physical and emotional abuse during His trials and crucifixion. Jesus prepared well. Humble and mostly silent without a hint of anger, praise had given Jesus a sense of absolute, composed surrender to His Father’s will.

The Remedy for CCS (Clanging Cymbal Syndrome)

Eric, a God-loving, prospering business owner and family man, decided to invest his time in a young man, David, single and young in his faith.  Eric faithfully met with David, teaching Him truths from God’s Word. Eventually, he hired David to join his business team. David seemed to be maturing in his faith and was learning valuable business skills. Sharing many hours of life together on the road, Eric and David grew to become good, close friends.

Business developments expanded and that’s when David and Eric’s friendship was soiled. David began lying about Eric, making accusations against him among co-workers. The last thread of their friendship broke when David emptied Eric’s business bank account. He stole nearly $40,000.   

At first Eric struggled to forgive David, but soon thereafter, Eric declared to his own satisfaction that he had forgiven David of lying and stealing. He released him. Whenever David’s name came up in public, Eric spoke forgiveness about him. When Eric encountered David shortly after the incident, Eric acted cordial.