[This focus was originally sent 02/24/2010 (Edited some.)
The company motto for IHOP (International House of Pancakes Inc., based in California) restaurants is “Come Hungry. Leave Happy.”® Watching their advertisements for “Never-Ending Pancakes” could also bring to mind, “Come hungry. Leave stuffed!”
“Come Hungry. Leave Happy.” Think of that in a spiritual sense. In much the way our body has its need for being fed, so does the soul. How often do we come to God’s Word with a true hungering? It is just what we need to nourish ourselves spiritually on a daily basis.
Jesus stated. . .
“(6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6 ESV)
The New King James Versions reads, “…they shall be filled.” When it comes to righteousness (which would include a seeking after a knowledge of God’s Will), possessing a hunger for it does bring the joyful blessing of being filled to satisfaction. The Greek word “makarios”, translated “blessed”, refers to a blessing whose nature is of the highest good. It has also been translated “happy” and “fortunate”.
In Psalm 119 we read. . .
“(103) How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103 ESV)
Yes, and I would dare say sweeter and more satisfying than IHOP pancakes (though they are quite tasty). Coming to the banquet of God’s Word we can come away so happy and filled to experience life at its best.
Consider also this thought in relation to our fellowship. Do we ever hunger for it? Have we experienced coming together hungry and leaving our studies and assemblies happy, joyful, and filled for pressing on in the work of God?
John noted a purpose of his writing in stating. . .
“(3) that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. (4) And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:3-4 ESV)
Are we duly acknowledging our need for the full realm of our fellowship: with one another, with God, and our Lord Jesus Christ? Are we experiencing a great sense of satisfaction in that fellowship? Are we living mindful of what we ourselves also contribute to that fellowship?
“Come Hungry. Leave Happy.” May that truly mark our experience with both God’s Word and the fellowship we enjoy. It is a blessing God desires for us to experience as a mere taste of Heaven to come.
Have a great day EXPERIENCING THIS TRUE AND LASTING HAPPINESS!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
