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This last week I read that McDonalds is testing a new machine that lets
customers punch in their orders, pay with cash, then wait at their table for
their orders to arrive. The machines only take paper bills, which can cause
some delays with customers who have pockets full of coins. The customer's
change is brought to them in a paper cup, along with their burgers and
fries. Right now, the machine is only being used in a few stores in the
Midwest, but the company plans on trying the labor-saver in other markets
soon.
So heres what Ive been thinking. The drive-through lane doesnt go fast
enough for our active schedule so we become frustrated
after all
were
busy people with important places to go and were in a hurry. At other times
we decide to go inside and order our food because the drive-through lane is
too long; but then we become extremely impatient standing in line because
weve got better things to do with our time than wait in line at McDonalds,
right?
So why write about this whole McDonalds story? Could it be that you and I
spend so much time trying to formulate a situation that will cause a person
to grow in their spirituality that we overlook whats most important? There
is no shortcut to maintaining a deep relationship with Jesus. If we are to
be connected to the Father, we must know the Savior -- Jesus. For us to
know Jesus we must study the Scripture, but it doesnt stop there because
thats only the beginning.
John 5:39-40 states, "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think
that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify
about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
Those Jewish leaders studied the Scripture in great detail, yet they did not
recognize the one to whom those very Scriptures were bearing testimony. May
this never be true of us! My prayer for the West-Ark congregation is that we
are a people that diligently study the Scripture, but it goes deeper than
that. We continually grow in our relationship with the Father as we get to
know Jesus more and more. We go on to put these biblical principles into
practice in our daily walk. And there is no shortcut to this process it
takes time and effort, but its well worth it.
Hopefully, you are participating in Bible Classes that meet on Sunday
Mornings and Wednesday Evenings, but it doesnt stop there. We need to get
into and study Gods Word on a daily basis.
See you in Bible Class.
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page