By Dr. Rebekah McCloud

As I was cleaning up Momma’s things, I came across a poem that was tucked between the pages of one of her many Bibles. The poem is titled “Heaven’s Grocery Store.” I don’t know the author or the source of the poem; but it resonated with me. So, I’d like to share it with you this morning. And, I pray that it ministers to you as well.

Heaven’s Grocery Store

I was walking down life’s highway

A long, long time ago

And saw a sign that read

“Heaven’s Grocery Store.”

As I got a little closer,

The door came open wide.

When I came to myself,

I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels.

They were standing everywhere.

One handed me a basket and said,

“My child, shop with care.”

Everything a Christian needed

Was in the grocery store.

If you couldn’t carry it all,

You could come back

The next day for more.

First, I got some patience,

Love was in the same row.

Farther down was understanding—

You need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom;

A bag or two of Faith.

I just couldn’t miss the Holy Ghost

For it was all in one place.

I stopped to get some Strength and Courage

To help me run this race.

By then my basket was getting full,

But I remembered I needed Grace.

I didn’t forget Salvation,

Salvation that was free.

So, I tried to get enough of that

To save both you and me.

Then I started up to the counter

To pay my grocery bill

For I thought I had everything

To do my Master’s will.

As I went up the aisle,

I saw Prayer

And I just had to put that in

For I knew when I stepped outside

I would run right into sin.

Peace and Joy were all on the last shelf.

Song and Praises were hanging near,

So I just helped myself.

Then I said to the Angel,

“Now how much do I owe?”

He smiled and said,

“Just take everything and go.”

Again, I smiled and said

“Now how much do I really owe?”

He smiled again and said,

“My child, Jesus paid your bill

A long time ago.”

Amen. Aren’t you glad we have a savior that paid the price for each and every one of us. This life and the opportunity to live as Christians, to worship and serve God is an honor and a privilege. Where the spirt of the Lord is, there is liberty, there is freedom. We have the freedom to choose how we will use our time, talent, money and resources. Grace, let’s shop!

For homework, I want you to create your own grocery list and visit “Heaven’s Grocery Store.” What do you need in 2019? Patience, Love, Understanding, Wisdom or the Holy Ghost are yours for the asking. Do you need more Faith, more Strength, more Courage, or more Grace? Will Salvation, or Prayer, or Peace, or Joy, or Song or Praise make your list? Fill your basket and shop with care.