Heb 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our
faith." NIV
In a small peninsula in Eastern Newfoundland, in a
town called Bonavista, you can visit an exact replica of the Matthew, the
sailing ship used by John Cabot when he, in 1497, made his place in history by
becoming the first European since the Vikings to discover North America. The
tour of the ship was very interesting, rich in history and sailing lore; but
perhaps the most fascinating story we heard spoke of how the sailing ships of
the 15th century were manned.
In those days, finding enough willing sailors to man a ship could prove to be
difficult. Sea voyages were long and dangerous, and many sailors never returned
to their homes. If you've never been where you are going, how will
you know how to avoid the many dangers your path may
bring about?
In order to man their sailing vessels, sea captains had to be creative.
Sometimes convicts were granted their freedom in return for their service aboard
a sailing vessel. Other times, when really desperate, captains took even harsher
measures. Imagine this: You have gone into a tavern for an evening of drink and
cards with the guys. While there, a perfect stranger wearing a captain's uniform
befriends you:
"Hey mate. Let me buy ye a pin' of beer!"
"Are you talking to me sir?" you ask.
"Aye," answers the captain. "Ye seem a nice lad!"
Surprised, but pleasantly so, you respond with a hearty: "Yes sir! Thank you
kindly, sir!"
The trap is set. The captain or his first mate will make sure your mug is always
full, but as the night wears on, a strange thing happens to you. First you
become a bit dizzy and start sounding like a fool. Then your speech becomes
completely slurred, and no one can understand what you are saying. Just a bit
more beer, another pint or two, and you pass out.
Victory for the captain!
When you wake up, you find yourself aboard a sailing vessel in the middle of the
ocean, with no means to return. You can try to escape, but the consequences are
detrimental to your health! You have only one option and two hopes: Your option
is to pay the price for the free drinks you received by working for the captain
for the duration of the voyage, and your hopes are that the voyage will be
short, no more than 6 months, and that there will no
killer storms at sea!
Friends, the consequences of intemperance are always disastrous. In our day and
age, few wake up from their drunken slumber to find themselves aboard a sailing
vessel. However, in our day and age, intemperance can lead to broken marriages,
addictions, loss of jobs, loss of friends, loss of savings, and the list goes
on. Is it any wonder the Bible warns against intemperance?
You may think that it was not fair that these poor lads
were
`hired` against their will. But whenever you allow yourself to partake in
intemperate behaviour, you hire yourself out to a life of servitude as well.
Only instead of serving a sneaky sea captain, you will serve an addiction, which
can lead to a life far worse than the one led by these poor lads. Instead of 6
months, your voyage could last the rest of your life!
How can you avoid such a life of slavery? It's simple. Stay focused on Christ.
Ask Him to help you detect where these destructive lures can lead you to
addiction. But what do you do if you have already been ensnared? Is there hope?
Absolutely. Hope is always available if you humbly come to Jesus and ask for His
help. I know what I'm talking about, for I have been there! Remember, John 8:36
"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Would you like to experience true freedom? Come to the Christ. He is your only
hope.
"Hey mate. Let me buy ye a pin' of beer!"
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.