Dave’s Monday Blast – September 21, 2015
I read a story recently (I really do not think it is true), but I embrace the metaphor. The story described a guy named Jim who had saved a long time to take an Alaskan cruise. At last he was on board with carefully packed suitcases. The first evening when he heard “dinner is served” announced over the loudspeaker, he took peanut butter crackers from his suitcase and sat at the table in his small cabin. Every day at mealtime, he repeated the ritual. It wasn’t that Jim didn’t like the ship’s tasty banquets. He simply didn’t know that his meals were included in the price of the ticket. For two weeks he enjoyed beautiful scenery off the decks but ate dry, stale food in his cabin.
Again, I doubt the truth of this story, but the metaphor for how some Christ-followers live the Christian life is poignant. God has promised to meet every need of His children (Philippians 4:19). His riches are included in the price Christ paid for their salvation (Ephesians 1:18). Yet many folks are trying to live out of their own resources. They don’t know that the wealth of God’s love, power, and provision is not only on their menu, but the price has been paid in advance.
A believer’s relationship with the Lord is one of complete unity. Jesus is our life. His Spirit lives through us. Therefore, everything that is available to Him is also available to the brothers and sisters in Christ. That includes all power, strength, and endurance, as well as whatever is required to fulfill spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
Our friend Jim didn’t know he had the right to satisfy his hunger in an extravagant way. INTENTIONAL men can learn from this exaggerated example. Carefully and consistently read your Bible to discover what riches you are entitled to through faith. God offers believers. Enjoy the bounty of the Lord. Eat well!
