The Storm that Never Happened

It was on a Wednesday, in the afternoon, when weather reports started flashing like lightening of the encroaching storm. My friend Barbara and I were at our church volunteering. We were on the second floor when another warning alarm sounded. Weather warnings were furiously flashing on her phone to take cover immediately. We  headed to the basement suggested that others take the warning and go as well.  We had no takers, so we went alone.

We ensconced ourselves in the ladies restroom, and together we rode out the storm. It was such a peaceful and calming experience to sit there with her and chat about inconsequential things that were happening in our lives. Barbara made a statement, while we were waiting, that will stay with me always. She has the sweetest most soothing voice, and she said to me: "If it gets really bad what better place to be than in our church?" After twenty or thirty minutes, Barbara received a notification that the worst had passed.

Upon returning to the upper level of the church, we learned that the storm never happened. The worst of it was some high winds and a sprinkle or two. The storm may never have happened, but

a beautiful thing happened that day. I have always loved Barbara, but, now, a new dimension has been introduced to our friendship--one of trust with new insights of who we are. I know in my heart that it was more than riding out a storm together; because, upon leaving the basement, my heart was full of God's love.

Thought for the Day: Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Prayer: Elohei Chasdi-God of my goodness, kindness, and faithfulness, thank you for sending friends to ease us through difficult situations. Show us how to express our gratitude to each other and to You. In the name of our Savior and your Son, Amen.

Published Ruby Magazine 2017

Too Wired for Lunch

Have you ever invited someone to lunch, and they immediately check their "List" to see if they can work you in? If they have a vacancy, you can set a date to have lunch, and perhaps enjoy your friendship for an hour. It can be a relaxing exchange of stories, catching up and sharing ideas, or it can turn into a phone watching event. That happened to me recently, and I have to admit the experience left me feeling bereft, demeaned, hurt and more than a little angry.

I've thought about that encounter many times since. I am well aware that we all have appointments and engagements we have to keep, but careless tact can make one wonder just how meaningful the friendship is. I have come to this conclusion, if someone is gracious enough to ask you to lunch, show them the courtesy and respect that you would like to be shown. Put you phone away, and focus on the time you have available to enjoy a meal together.

When we approach God, needing to spend time with Him, He cordially invites us In. He doesn't become too preoccupied to listen to us. He gives us His full attention. The Lord shows us how important we are to Him, and how much He loves for us to seek His presence. Matthew 22: 34-40 tells us that when Jesus was asked what the greatest command was he answered: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” By obeying these commands we can convey to others the same warmth and fellowship that Jesus shared during His ministry.

Bible Verse:  “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (ESV)

Thought for the Day: In all that surrounds him, the egotist sees only the frame of his own portrait. ~J. Petit-Senn

Prayer:  Elohim Kedoshim, Holy God, thank you for paying attention to our lives, and showing us how much we mean to you. Help us to show that same love and respect for others. We pray in Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Where God Leads-Follow

Have you ever prayed and prayed for guidance, but when you received it, you resisted following where God led? In our humanness, it is natural for us to seek out our own path, and ignore where God is leading us. In order to stay within God's will, it is necessary to remember where our strength and zeal lies. Outside forces take every opportunity to draw us into the vortex of worldly pursuits. Following our own inclinations, is to set the stage for failure.

When we submit our will entirely to the Father, the outcome is amazing. Seek His will before you rise in the morning, ask Him to guide you through each day, and follow His guidance diligently. A good verse to keep handy during your daily routine: Psalms 119:133 direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

Verse for the  Day:  Psalm 25:9 (NIV) He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Thought for the day: “Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.”

― Elizabeth Elliot, Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity

Prayer: Jehovah El Elyon, Most High God, thank you for giving us direction in our lives. Please lead us to righteousness by teaching us your ways.

In Jesus Holy name we pray, Amen

Published by Ruby Magazine  2017