As the reminder email popped up in my inbox, I knew this is one of those meetings I did not want to miss. We were coming to the end of month and the anticipated employee benefit meeting was to start in 15 minutes.
As I listened to the presentation, many thoughts ran through my mind. It is these following thoughts that lead me to think about the promises of God available to us, His children if only we believe.
It occurred to me that:
1. There were those benefits that were known to me and, therefore, outrightly enjoyed as an employee of the company. As a child of God, we are entitled to abundant life not because of anything we have done. Just the fact that we are children of God who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and chosen to BELIEVE, we can receive it. Therefore, Redemption becomes the greatest benefit of all. When was the last time you thanked God for His Redemption? Even as you thank Him for this, have you stopped there in your pursuit of Him? We are called not to be comfortable but to continue seeking him and growing deeper in awareness of the things He has in store for us that the cross has afforded to us. Is it not written, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”? 1 Cor 2:9
2. There were those benefits that I was aware of but procrastination had taken the best of me in going to receive the service. As a child of God, eligible to abundant life, this life is accessed through “FAITH “. We are called to apply Faith in all areas of our lives and not just select areas. The Lord desires we live a balanced life that reflects Him. What is this that was promised to you but you have let procrastination take the best of you, even to steal from you? Did He not say, “for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Duet 31:6 and that His promises are assured?
3. There were those benefits that were conditional. (i.e. Pre – Conditional Benefits) As a child of God, have we put conditions on God’s promises? i.e. RELIGIOUS mindset – have we allowed the doctrine we learned blind us to the truth of what is said in the Holy Bible? Have we judged ourselves and put a limit on the kind and level of promises we can enjoy? OR Have we limited His promises to be only alive in line with worldly expectations? The Lord is still in the business of healing, raising the dead, moving mountains and removing giants. Did He not say, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt 19:26 if, like the synagogue ruler, we “only believe”?
4. There were those benefits that I was aware of and HAD set a time to enjoy the service
As a child of God, we should be aware that we do NOT have to wait to go to heaven to enjoy these promises. They are for NOW and to be enjoyed here on earth. Therefore, let the Holy Spirit guide you into all truths and open your mind to the abundant life that the cross has afforded us all. Did He not say, “…I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. He’s Lord over heaven and earth. “? John 15:16
As the presentation came to an end, I could not help but see more correlations between it and life application. Bringing my thoughts to conclusion, it was clear that when Jesus came on earth, He paid the price for us to live abundant lives. It is in our best interest to seek the Holy Spirit to know what these promises are which the cross has afforded us. The good thing about God’s benefits is that you do not need to do anything other than BELIEVE and accept Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR. And His promises/benefits are ETERNAL Not like a company where eligibility is temporal and dependent on your tenure in the company.