Great Benefit Package

         I recall that in the state of West Virginia, when you become 60 years old, you receive a "Golden Mountaineer Card.  I always thought it a bit humorous that one of the few benefits was the fact that you got 15% off at Jiffy Lube when you took your car in for service.  Other than that point, there were not too many other benefits.  There are times when belonging to a certain group or organization gives you some good benefits.  We find in the days in which we live that there are not too many organizations or businesses that offer great incentives for becoming a member.  You soon find out that if you have nothing to offer the organization or business, they are not interested in you.  There are some outstanding benefits, however,  for becoming a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.  First Peter 5:7 says, " Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."  
     When you become a believer in Christ, the benefit package is beyond your wildest expectations.  One could write or speak for days on the benefits of heaven versus hell, or the unconditional love versus indifference.  One of the little benefits tucked away in this package is the one mentioned above.  The little words, "He cares for you" are words of comfort and hope in a world that shows a lack of concern and care for its inhabitants.  People seem to show a concern for you if you have money to purchase what they are selling.  A restaurant wants your business so you will spend more money in their establishment.  Many organizations simply want to collect your "dues" that you have to pay in order to be a member.  When you come to Christ, you suddenly find that one of the greatest benefits is the fact that God cares for you.  I have found that one of the most popular songs in the nursing home is the simple little song, "Jesus Loves Me."  It is a children's song yet it expresses the fact that God does care for us and according to John 3:16, loves us beyond our wildest dreams.  When you  read God's Word, you suddenly find that this unconditional care is a great comfort.  It is especially a comfort when we find adversity in our lives. It is a comfort when the unexpected happens when sickness or even death cross our paths.  The above verse of Scripture, which is a relatively short verse, offers much comfort and hope to all believers in a world that is filled with adversity, trouble, war, and hopelessness.  Praise God that "Jesus love me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."