Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Life Journal 01-04-2012

Rainbow Promises

(S) Scripture

Genesis 9:16 (NIV)
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.

(O) Observation

The rainbow is a sign of an everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures. The language used might lead one to think that God might forget, but that is not in His nature. My guess is that He used that language to remind us of His faithfulness to His promises.

(A) Application

The memory is quite vivid. I was travelling a two lane road in the mountains of West Virginia on a rainy day and was following a coal truck. Bethany was with me and I suppose I was complaining out loud about being behind a coal truck and the weather when she looks at me and says, "Daddy, why don't we look for a rainbow?" I was immediately put in my place and repented. Together we looked for that rainbow and my attitude changed. Today I am preparing for the funeral of a friend. Tina Droscha was a godly and faithful woman. She lost a 14 year battle with cancer this week but in that loss she gained Heaven. As I talk with her family and friends I am reminded to look for the rainbow. The everlasting promise is found in Jesus. I thank God for the knowledge that death is not the end but only the beginning for the person of faith.
A friend of mine from southern Chile says that they can see a full circle rainbow at times. How cool would that be? The never ending circle of the everlasting promise of God. Bethany had it right, it's time to look for rainbows.

(P) Prayer

Lord keep reminding me of your everlasting promises and when I forget help me to remember to look for a rainbow. Amen

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Life Journal 01-01-2012

The Beginning

(S) Scripture

Luke 1:77 - to give his people the knowledge of salvation 
   through the forgiveness of their sins, 

(O) Observation

John the Baptist's ministry from the beginning was to prepare the way for Jesus and the way that was to be done was to – "to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,". New beginnings come from a knowledge of being right with God and experiencing forgiveness.

(A) Application

As I begin this new year and continue to follow God's call in my life, I too must be about helping people discover that right relationship with God that would offer forgiveness.

(P) Prayer

Lord as I begin a new year give me the strength, courage and boldness to live out Your call n my life. Let me be faithful in my walk with you so that I might show others the way. Amen