January 22 The Bland Illusion I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 Bill Bright used to tell the story of a man who carefully saved his money until he was finally able to travel on a beautiful cruise ship. It was all he could do just to save enough to buy his ticket. Thinking he wouldnt have enough money to buy meals in the ships fine dining room, he decided to take along some cheese and crackers for food. For several days he sat in his cabin, watching the stewards go by with carts full of luscious lobster, prime rib, fresh fruits and vegetables. Finally, he couldnt stand it any longer. He reached out and grabbed one of the stewards by the arm and begged him for a plate of food. Please, help me. Ill go to work, Ill scrub the deck. Ill do anything to get something to eat. My cheese and crackers are turning stale, and Im starving to death. But, sir, the steward replied, dont you know? Your food comes with your ticket. Many Christians live the way this passenger did on the cruise ship. They are cheese and crackers believers, living off rations when they could be dining on steak and baked potatoes. They dont allow the Holy Spirit to take control of their lives and produce the luscious fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.Instead they live in spiritual poverty. Ive been a cheese and crackers Christian on more than one occasion. Ive been satisfied at times with the bare bones of salvation, figuring that is all I should really expect. But my spiritual hunger finally got the best of me, and I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. Nothing can satisfy like Him. Discuss How well are you feasting on the abundant life that Jesus Christ came to give you? Pray Pray and surrender your life totally to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 18:32:34 +0000