Jesus is Our Anchor

Scriptural Foundation:

Hebrews 11:13-16 New King James (NKJV)

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Reflection:

Hands down my favorite grocery store is Aldi. For those of you that are not familiar with them, it is a small sized retail store that actually closes every evening.  In addition to their “limited” hours (8am-8pm), you need a quarter to borrow a cart (you get it back once you return the cart) and you have to bring your own bags.  In this day and age these adjustments are a foreign concept.  We are so use to our 24/7 stores that offer a wide variety of products.  Although unique, this kind of business platform allows Aldi to sell their products at reduced prices – instead of twenty different brands of toothpaste there are two, etc.  By choosing to shop there, I do compromise on my product selection, but at the same time it has helped me focus on feeding my family a healthier diet and has me in and out of the store quicker – bonus!

The Aldi experience can be liken to our Christian walk. Limited hours and limited selection in a world that there seems to be no limits is reflective of applying Biblical principles to an ego centric society.  Have you heard of the phrase, “pay it forward”?  It is a concept of passing on a good or selfless deed unto someone else.  On a regular basis I have seen in action and heard – “pay it forward” in the parking lot of Aldi, as one customer passes their cart onto another customer.  How does the person that gives their cart to the next person know for sure that person won’t just keep the quarter for themselves?  They don’t… they just trust that their sown act of kindness may be reproduce in the life of the person it is given.

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. – Philippians 2:17

Our foundational scripture reminds us, that we may not see in our lifetime the harvest we have planted. Instead we may be harvesting the fruit sown by Saints that have gone on before us.  In any case this race of faith that we run is not about us, but is about Christ.    The life of a disciple is one of sacrifice, but the gain from that surrender far outweighs the temporary affliction.  Your “product” selection may be limited, but the souls that you are gaining for the Kingdom is priceless – people you come across are yearning for what you have.  Be purposeful with each interaction knowing that your reward will be seen…seen from here into eternity.

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

• What have you been hoping for? Is it something generic or something specific?
• Is it something that will better another or something that will only benefit you?
• Honestly ask yourself if you never see what you are hoping for in this life, will the Lord still be enough?
• Ask the Holy Spirit daily to purpose your steps towards divine commitments and appointments.