RAINBOW AT 35,000 FEET

While flying back to Huntsville recently about ready to land in Dallas, I glanced out my window and there at 35,000 feet was a partial rainbow. I had some things on my mind that were troubling me and this rainbow sort of made me forget things and remember to trust God. Three months ago returning from Phoenix I also saw one. Even at that altitude God has ways of getting our focus back on Him. In the Bible the rainbow was a sign that God would never bring a flood again to cause all flesh to die. (See Genesis 9:13-16).

I write devotions to give others hope but I have to also remember to keep my focus on things above too, meaning up to heaven, and not be dwelling on early issues that really do not matter that much. Any of us, even a minister of the gospel for instance, are subject to becoming sad or forlorn if we do not intentionally stay in the word of God.

Psalm 25:5(NIV) says 'Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.'

Do you need hope and encouragement today? Do you need the joy of the Lord? Continue reading in Psalms and I guarantee you will be lifted up.

PRAYER: I am so very thankful Lord when I can count on the word of God to lift me up when I have found myself in a pit of despair. Thank you for your word which is true and guides me always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BLACK FRIDAY, SAYS WHO?

Here in the United States, today is the major shopping day before Christmas. Some camp out in lines for days in front of stores which are offering a super sale on limited qualities of supposedly "must have" items. It is nice to be excited about Christmas and shopping but do we lose the true meaning of Christmas when we try desperately to get a good bargain or a must have item? Just some food for thought.

According to my search sources The Philadelphia Police Department first coined the term in 1966 because of the mayhem, confusion, and accidents on this day caused by a surge of shoppers. Years later merchants did not like the negative connotation of the original meaning so decided to make it have a positive meaning as "being in the black" a term used by accountants to indicate profit. Although as crazy as it sounds, fights still break out and there have even been deaths. What a way to welcome in the season of the Saviors birth.

Why not try to start this season having peace on Earth and good will to men? A novel idea wouldn't you say? Do not think you have to keep up with the "world's" standards, for after all we are celebrating the birth of the King, a child in a manger. Try to make this time of year different if you have been caught up in chaos and confusion.

Do not focus so much on needs and wants but try with God's help to make things different this year.

Hebrews 13:5(NIV)'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has a said"Never will I leave you or forsake you."'

PRAYER: I am excited about Christmas, not for the sake of getting gifts but for the love of helping others. Forgive me Lord if II have lost my focus at this time of year. Help me not be greedy. Help the love of Jesus shine through me to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GIVE THANKS ALL THE TIME!

"What on Earth do I have to be thankful for?" This could be the comment from someone who might have lost their child prematurely, a parent died, those whose job was terminated right before Christmas season or a person who has been given a diagnosis of a terminal illness. Even in dire sad times such as those, there is a reason to be thankful. God has not deserted you. He loves you. He has a plan.

This Thanksgiving Day why not stop and remember just why we celebrate this holiday here in America. It's Christian roots are often overshadowed with turkey decorations in lieu of the pilgrims.

In November 1620 some 100 Pilgrims from England landed near Cape Cod, Massachusetts in search of religious freedom in the New World. That is why we celebrate this day each year in November. It indeed is special. Many new things awaited these brave and hearty souls. They paved the way for what we enjoy today. Freedom of any kind is special. That is why we fight so hard to keep it!

Today stop what you are doing and think of just exactly what you are thankful for. Do not just watch parades and football and gobble down tons of food but sincerely make this a day of thanks.

Some readers are not from America but indeed we all have reason to give thanks.

1 Chronicles 16:34 says 'Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His love endures forever.'

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for this day and every day you have given me. Help me Lord to show an attitude of gratitude every day not just on Thanksgiving. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Below is a link from the Internet about the history of Thanksgiving. Take time to read it sometime today.
http://www.history.com/topics/pilgrims

Click link for a song of worship.

http://youtu.be/KMTmZKotTYw

ON A MISSION FOR PEACE

I do not live in Manhattan, Boston, LA, Chicago, or any other number of huge metropolitan areas but I still find myself occasionally needing to break away and get rid of the "clutter" of life that can often distract me and weigh me down. Things such as constant noise, people everywhere, too much technology, too many emails, too many wrong phone numbers. I am not intending on becoming a grinch by any means because I indeed am a people person. My point is all of us need time to sit back and be quiet and still and "recharge". On the other hand there are those in our world yearning for someone to talk to or wishing they had a car or means to get out and about.

For those of you reading who need to get away and "recharge" the first thing I need to say is the best way to start off each and every day is to take time for God. Write Him first in your busy schedule. Perhaps lunchtime on a park bench somewhere or seated in your car works for you. Whatever, make sure time with God is not squeezed out.

Isaiah 30:15(NIV) says 'This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy one of Israel says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation and in quietness and trust is your strength but you would have none of it."' 1 Peter 3:4(NLT) says 'You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.'

Let's all try to let our aim in life be to maintain peace in all circumstances. To achieve this you need to get alone with God for His strength.

PRAYER: Today I choose peace and quiet. I choose to be intentional about getting alone and being still and spending time with you. Show me ways to do this Father. In Jesus' name. Amen.

OUR PRECIOUS FRIENDS

Yesterday morning upon awakening I checked my text messages and received one from son Matt letting me know one of my dear friends had died Sunday from multiple myloma. I had only found out she was sick on November 10th. This precious friend I had not seen since 1996 when our family visited them in Colorado. Now she is with Jesus and she was not even 60 yet. Just goes to show you how brief life is. Treasure your friends. Tell them you love them. If you are close make time for them. Keep in touch by letters and cards, not just email forwards.Pick up the phone and call. Ask forgiveness if you hurt them.

This particular friend Luana, I knew when our children were all pre schoolers back in Ilinois She too was a military wife. We shared many happy times over General Foods International Coffee "celebrating the moments of our lives". After 1990 we did not stay in touch as well as the military moved both of our families but I always held a fond place in my heart for her. Their family was always one of the 'special ones' to us though. I am saddened as they deal with unexpected grief but rejoicing she is in heaven.

No one likes to say goodbye forever to a loved one or friend. It hurts. Grief hurts. But for the believer there is joy in knowing we will be reunited in heaven one day. None of us expects to die young but sometimes it does happen. God has a way of healing hurts and wounds we feel but sometimes it takes time.

Matthew 5:4(NIV) says 'Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted."

Romans 8:18(NIV) says 'For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.'

Phillipians 1:22-24(ESV) says 'But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.'

Psalm 116:15(NIV) says 'Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for those who are hurting from the recent death of a family member or friend. I pray for friends to surround those hurting and be there with a hug and a prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Click on link for song in Luana Killam memory.

http://youtu.be/Ped1jYLFtkA

IRRITATIONS OF LIFE

Call them what you like. Annoyances, pet peeves, distractions, but most everyone at one time or another has experienced something in life that rubs them the wrong way. What are we as believers to do about this? Are we to be "like the world" and simply spout off, get agitated, or become "righteously indignant" or do we hold our tongue and pray? Yes we all have feelings and emotions but it is that fruit of the spirit called "self control" that we need to learn to develop in our life if things or people irritate you to the point you do not feel "Christian". I must admit I have spoken up in a kind way a couple times at a movie theater when the people behind me insisted on talking instead of watching the movie.

Many times it is better to overlook something than to cause a confrontation. Proverbs 19:11(NIV) reminds us 'A person's wisdom yields patience, it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.' Our mouth comes into play here as well as our emotions often cause us to not think and say things we regret later. Proverbs 14:29(NIV) says 'Whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is quick tempered displays folly.'

Do you choose to be foolish or wise?

PRAYER: I want to be able to be a shining light for you Jesus wherever I go. To do this I need to control my thoughts, my emotions, and my mouth. Give me the self control needed to live a life pleasing to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PASSED YOUR TEST YET?

 I was at the airport waiting for my husband who was returning from a trip. My car had been doing fine but now at 7:40 p.m. it decides not to start. What a great welcome home for a weary traveler. Ah ha Isaid. Another "test" to see how we both handle this inconvenience.

Many things happen in life that get us "off our game", so to speak.Things are going smoothly then a problem occurs. No matter what happens it is necessary to stay calm. My sister used to tell me that things would keep happening till I mastered the skill to deal with the problem. The key is to keep your cool and ask God to help you.

In these inconvenient situations it is necessary to have peace and patience. James 1:2-3(NIV) says 'Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.' "You want me to be joyful when I misplace my car keys when late to an appointment, when I have a flat tire?"

We all should be wanting to grow more like Christ so getting a few tests here and there is good to help strengthen you. God can and will see you through. Don't blow the opportunity by becoming agitated.

PRAYER: Each and every day opportunities come my way Lord to be a witness for you. When a problem occurs help me to exhibit Christ like behavior knowing you will see my through. In Jesus' name. Amen