Your Faith's Survival Energy Source
The B Rations
The four foundational verses for your life with Christ.
Bob Lonac Wikipedia defines B Rations as:
A term used in the United States military for a meal provided to troops which was prepared using canned or preserved ingredients. 'B' ration meals may be prepared in field kitchens and served in the field, or served in garrisons without adequate refrigeration or freezer facilities.
Essentially, this is food the military can feed troops on the front lines. It is their survival energy source.
When I first came into a relationship with Jesus, my Young Life leader began to teach me what it meant to follow Christ. He pulled a small package out of his pocket about the size of a business card. It was like a tiny paper wallet. He said these were my B RATIONS.
In this case, the B stood for ‘Bible.’ He explained that these four verses were the foundation I would build on the rest of my life to mature as a Christ-follower. There were four cards inside and each had a bible verse written on it. I was supposed to carry this in my pocket wherever I went. And, he held me accountable to memorize these four verses.
I was part of a group of five other seniors in high school who were new to our faith. We all carried the same packet around. You can imagine five seniors in high school quizzing each other occasionally during the day. I still know them by heart. And it is true, they have pulled me through and held me up. I thought I would share them with you.
I gave each of these verses a title to help me understand what they were saying and why it is so important.
4 B Rations for Your Life with Christ
1. The Whole Story
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
This verse is probably the most well-known and often quoted in the Bible. It contains everything you need to know to understand why Jesus came to the earth, why he died, and what the result of his coming can mean for us.
2. What’s Our Part
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is probably one of my favorite verses. When I started to believe this and put it into practice, it changed everything. We can come to God anytime, anyplace, by merely asking for forgiveness. I do this a lot. When I do, I am cleansed and ready to start again. I have a new beginning for each day and each moment throughout the day. What a gift.
3. We Can Handle Whatever Happens!
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Life can be a challenge. Sometimes a big challenge. But God has promised to be with us through the valley, no matter how deep and dark. God is always faithful.
4. The Battle Is On!
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
We do have an advisory. Life is a spiritual battle. But the victory is assured, and we can experience abundant life here and the life to come!
Make Your Own B Rations
I carried these around in my pocket and eventually memorized them. But putting them into practice was the real lesson for me. It would not have helped much to carry these verses around and never look at them. You can not learn God’s ways and no his promises by osmosis. They have to become part of who you are.
and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
Make your own B Rations. Carry them around and practice them. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
