There Is More - part one.

Many years ago when my two children were much younger, my mother took them out for an activity during a school holiday. To spoil them she took them to a waterslide centre which had pools, slides, and water activities for children.

Before entering the centre everyone must buy a ticket, at the entry point you must decide if you wish just to swim in a normal pool, or if you intend on using all the equipment and slides available. If you just ask to swim in the normal pool you pay a small price, but if you choose "access to all that is available" then your ticket price is expensive but you can do everything.

My mother asked the children what they decided, both said they wanted the (expensive) full access ticket. They claimed they wanted to be able to use all that was there... so my mum paid for the two full tickets and they entered.

The youngest child was very excited and went on every ride, tried each water slide, and used all that was available... even some of the things that seemed a little scary. The other child was quite content in only using the basic swimming pool and resting in the shade under a tree for the whole day.

Although both kids enjoyed the outing, my mum was annoyed that she paid full price for them both but one did not use all that was available, and so she felt that the expense was a waste and did not get full value for her money.

When most are ask how much they want, most will be eager for the full amount. But often we become creatures of habit and comfort so settle for the basics - then at some point we find ourselves lying on the grass resting. Similar to some people's faith-journey... we want it all at the beginning and then with time some find they do not use all that is available to them.

My eldest child had the option to access everything but was happy to sit still... it seems silly but we must make sure we don't fall into the same thing - spiritually. To not explore all that is available... would be easy but if that is all we do, you would have to ask yourself if that is what Jesus died for... is that all?

There are spiritual gifts that need to be investigated and used, there needs to be passion and excitement... yes some things may seem scary or new.. but it would be a great shame if we missed out on stuff as we were comfortable in just using what was familiar to us.

My mum had paid full price for the children to use all that was available - God paid full price for His children to have full access. Don't settle for less - there is more!

Blessings,

Akita.
12-6-09

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Acts 1 v 4-8

On one occasion, while he (Jesus) was eating with them,
he gave them this command:
"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised,
which you have heard me speak about.
For John baptized with water,
but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
So when they met together, they asked him,
"Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
He said to them:
"It is not for you to know the times or dates
the Father has set by his own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

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Akita Olsen

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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