Have you seen the bumper stickers that say, "God's retirement plan is out of this world"? While that's certainly true, it is equally true that his benefits package is unbeatable. That's for us right now, and the great thing about it is, it's standard. Yep. No bonus to earn, no competing with others for a share of the already too small pie. It's standard and it's for everyone.
By standard, I don't in any way mean ordinary or basic, least-he-can-get-by-with kind of thing. I mean standard as in given to each of us the moment we accept him as our Savior. We know it is never something we can earn - no matter how "good", "spiritual", or "Christ-like" we think we are. The truth is we can never be enough of anything to deserve what he willingly offers..."all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." Isaiah 64:6a.
Here is what scripture says about God's benefits. As you read consider how desperately you need each of these freely offered gifts.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits -
-who forgives all your sins
-and heals your diseases,
-who redeems your life from the pit
-and crowns you with love and compassion,
-who satisfies your desires with good things
-so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's"
Psalm 103: 2-5
No Fortune 500 company comes close!
Which one jumps out at you right now?
-forgiveness?
-getting out of a pit?
-being satisfied?
God intends for our lives to be abundant. Not always easy and not perfect, but abundant. That abundance comes as we see him work through the sludge and slush of life making beautiful things come from it.
Take a few moments this morning to think about your perspective. Have you lost sight of the benefits available to you everyday? Have you become hardened? Have you forgotten that you ARE redeemed?
Remember and give thanks. Ask God to help you live today as one who reaps his benefits daily.
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