-Honeymoon-

Don’t let that title fool you, this is all G-rated. Tomorrow is my first wedding anniversary, so I thought this story would be appropriate to tell. On our honeymoon, Elizabeth and I went to St. Lucia on one of those “all-inclusive” packages. It was great. When we got there, our bags were taken care of, we had a car waiting on us to take us to the resort, and when we walked in our room we had a butler that was on call 24 hours a day, just to accommodate our every desire. The food… paid for. The snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking… paid for. The spa… paid for. The 18-hole golf course, clubs, and a caddy to carry them for me… paid for. All I had to do was check in, sign the papers, and the whole island seemed like it belonged to us. When they brought the bounty of fresh fruits, breads, and meats to our doorstep, all I had to do was open the door and accept it. And boy I accepted it all right (I bet I gained 10 pounds over that one week!).

Did you know that God has offered you an “all-inclusive” package? He promises you a place where there will be no worries, just paradise in the presence of God. Jesus paid the price already. His blood covered it all. And the only thing you have to do is accept it. With this acceptance comes the assurance of an eternity in this paradise, and all you have to do now is open up your heart and accept the gift. Everything is paid for; now it’s up to you to experience the joys of a life lived for Christ.

The food at this place was incredible - so many choices, so many flavors, and so many rich desserts. But I’ll have to admit, by the end of the week I was starting to crave some normal food. Listen to how drastic this craving really became. On the last night we ate at a steakhouse on the island. Out of the entire complimentary menu of steaks, lamb, and exotic fish, I ordered a hamburger! All of this nice food is already paid for, and for some reason I had to have a grilled patty made from who-knows-what kind of meat. Guess I was missing America a little too much.

God gave you His best. God gave you His only Son as a gift. Free of charge. It’s amazing that after some people take this priceless gift, they soon yearn for the things of the world again. God has offered us a steak, and for some odd reason, we often want a hamburger instead. God has given us the best, but we just settle for what is around us. Try to focus this week on the things God has promised you. Remember the instructions that he gives us as Christians to do, and also things not to do. A life lived for Christ is much more rewarding. I mean, come on, who would want a hamburger when you have a steak?

-Spending time in the Word-
“What we obtain too cheaply we esteem to lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” -Thomas Paine
1. As you read this popular passage, remember that even though the gift of Christ has been given to us, we still have to accept it and embrace it to have eternal life. –John 3:11-21.
2. Jesus puts into perspective the relationship between God, himself, and the people. It’s amazing how the teachings of Jesus can be simple enough for a child to understand, but so profound that we are still studying it 2,000 years later. –John 15:1-17.

-Hiding the Word in your heart-
“Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” –Joshua 1:8
Memorize these verses as you continue to learn and study the Word of God daily.
1. John 14:6 - “Jesus says, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
2. Psalm 20:7 - “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”