Transformational Thought
SNOW. Record snow and cold almost every week this winter. Unbelievable. Only 2-4 inches expected tonight; doesn’t seem like much compared to all the storms this year. Boy, I would love to have a job where I could be wrong so often and still be a popular, loved expert in my field! I guess no malpractice is needed to be a weather forecaster. When the big storms were predicted, one news story media covers is the mad-dash life-saving shopping onslaught. So many people stocking up at the grocery store with shopping carts chock-full. Shelves are sold out of many ‘essentials.’ Most never lose power but some were out for 3-7 days. However, most shoppers were purchasing weeks’ worth of supplies, based on the fear of being without what they need to nourish and sustain their bodies … for just 1-2 days.
This mob scene made me stop and wonder why I don’t think more … no, actually worry more … about how well my spiritual cupboard is stocked; will I run out of blessing and grace? How much belief and faith is in my pantry. Will I have enough of God’s goodness within me to make it through my next spiritual snowstorm? Do I have enough Bible understanding and application nuggets ready to mix into my next adversity? Or is my cupboard empty, filled with stale or moldy scraps that have been sitting unused for many months, except on Sunday mornings, obligatory devotional times, or foxhole prayers?
Just imagine for a minute, walking into a spiritual supermarket. Shelves are stocked to the ceiling with spiritual gifts, truth, nuggets, and blessings … and all you have to do is fill up your cart. No check-out lines, no credit or debit cards … no need for cash. It’s all free. The bill is already paid. The reason that we don’t stock up for real life snowstorms is that it costs money and we have limited fridge or pantry space. But God’s supplies are free, and He made our hearts to store as much as we want or are able to take in – absolutely no limit. The Holy Spirit will hold the overflow on our behalf and replenish it as we need.
You might argue that shopping in the greatest spiritual supermarket does take some time and effort, so I’ll grant you that. But Satan tricks us into thinking the other options are free and take no time or energy … that they have no downside. Just think about all the effort you put into chasing empty options … worry, embarrassment, frustration, wrong choices, relational mistakes, and sin areas with their myriad of consequences. Every option for life and growth requires time and effort.
But listen to the truth, the message that will save, restore, and transform your life. The options that cost the least are the easiest to get. They have the biggest return on investment and are found only at God’s superstore of spiritual treasures.
Today, know that the door is right before you. All you have to do is believe and then open that door to receive. That door follows you wherever you go. His store is open 24/7. This superstore has everything you need to sustain you not only for days and weeks … but for the whole of this life and into all eternity. What’s stored up in your heart? Do you have enough spiritual nourishment and nuggets to weather your next spiritual storm? Don’t skimp or cheat yourself. You can always shop and get more, so use it with abandon. Then go back and restock because it’s free and your heart can hold it all. Whether you shop in God’s superstore for your essential nourishment, daily bread and water of life or you shop in the world’s drive-thru of empty and unhealthy fast food or is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to have my name in the book of life. I pray for Your strength so that I may “overcome” and stand firm to the end. Lord, I know that just as sure as You saved me, You will mold me to Your likeness and finish the work You started. Thank You, Father. Help me, Lord, to focus on my spiritual cart instead of my physical shopping cart. Help me develop the wisdom to shop endlessly in Your store for free treasures … available just for the taking. Fill my basket with all Your blessings. Show me how to use them well and then return regularly to Your store to re-stock. I pray this in the name of the One whom You sent to save me, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Then He said to me, “It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” Revelations 21:6,7