As I sat down, Ricky said, “How are you this morning?”
“Hungry!” I responded.
“You came to the right place,” Ricky replied with a smile as he handed me a menu. “Would you like some coffee while you decide what you’re going to eat?”
“Sure would,” I said. “Dark roast. Regular. Strong.”
As Ricky left to get the coffee, Stan said, “Did you hear the spiritual significance of what Ricky said?”
“Spiritual significance?” I replied. “What spiritual significance?”
“The part about coming to the right place to be fed,” Stan replied. “And it’s the same with my faith walk. I have to choose to go to the right place to be fed.”
“And where’s that?” I asked. “Where’s the right place?”
“In God’s presence,” Stan said. “If I don’t make the choice to move from where I am into God’s presence there’s little chance I’m going to be fed with what He has for me. Just like we had to show up here in order for Ricky to get us something to eat, I need to show up with God so He can feed me with what He has.”
“Is just showing up enough?” I asked.
“Showing up is better than not showing up,” Stan said, “but it’s a whole lot better if I show up, tell God I’m really hungry for what He has for me, and then be open to receive and embrace all He wants to give me.”
“How often?” I asked.
“Every single day,” Stan replied. “It’s a daily thing. Kind of like when God gave manna to the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert. He had the manna for them, but they had to go out and gather it. It didn’t just appear in their stomachs. And God’s spiritual food is not going to just appear in me. I have to go and get it. Every single day.”
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Bible verses to consider:
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35.
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. Exodus 16:4.
Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11.
Feed me with the food that is my portion. Proverbs 30:8.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your provision of everything I need in order to be yours on both sides of eternity. Thank you for allowing me to accept by faith your free and gracious gift of life with you eternally when it’s time. Thank you, too, that I am able to pursue the eternal life of knowing you and Jesus. I confess that too often I do not choose to come into your presence to receive all you have for me. I do that because I choose to do something else apart from you. Please, Father, help me to follow every step of your lead into an ever-closer, ever-deepening personal relationship with you. Help me in seeking to draw closer to you every single day. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Do you agree that it’s important to spend time in God’s presence every single day? Why or why not? Are you hungry for what God has for you? God provides “manna” for us, but we have to go gather it. How are you doing with that gathering? As well as you would like? As well as God would like? If you sense changes are needed, how is that going to happen? Can you do it on your own? What help do you need and want?
Waiting for the Train 