Month: <span>March 2011</span>

Published March 20, 2011

Store of Salvation

by Idelette McVicker

“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)

When I lived in Taiwan, there was a general understanding that shopping is the national pastime. Stores stay open until 10pm every day and whatever the time of day, you can usually find a place to buy something. I, too, love a good shopping adventure. Just today I found two fabulous jumpers for my girls at a quarter of their original price. I love the thrill of the find.

In Isaiah, the Lord refers to himself as a store! A rich store filled with everything good, beautiful and necessary for abundant life.

When I am in need of salvation, wisdom and knowledge, there’s only one place to shop.

You always get more when you shop with Jesus. There’s endless variety with individualized packages for each customer. Abundant life just doesn’t come any cheaper. In fact, at Jesus & Co. salvation is free. A lifetime membership, offering you every available treasure of heaven, will cost you everything and yet nothing. The value?   Priceless!

Reflect: How often do you spend time shopping for the treasures of heaven?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/03/20/im_store-of-salvation/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Idelette McVicker Thoughts by Women

Published March 19, 2011

Bomb Scare in India

by Katherine Kehler

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or hour” Matthew 25:13


Christian DevotionalWe were on one of those “around the world in 10 days” trips. It was December and my husband Marvin and I, along with another couple, had been on the road – actually in the air – for five days. We were getting weary and I was eager to get home to complete my Christmas preparations.

We were flying from Ethiopia to meet friends in Bangalore, India. From there we were flying to Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. Only five days left.

On the flight to India, the people in the plane were very noisy, or at least it seemed that way. Lack of sleep has a way of magnifying sounds.  I noticed the flight attendants whispering amongst themselves. They looked concerned. Shortly after, the pilot came on the public address system and then I understood.  He announced very calmly, “Please pay careful attention. We have received notice that there could be a bomb on this plane. You must be calm. We will not taxi to the air terminal when we land, but to the far end of the airstrip. You will be taken to the terminal by bus.”

The people on the plane became very quiet. The incessant, loud chatter turned to silence. Everyone was deep in thought, evaluating their life, no doubt. I know I was. My first thoughts were, “Well, Lord, maybe I’ll see You today. That would be wonderful.” I had such a calm and peaceful spirit – it didn’t seem normal.

This is the blessing of knowing God personally and being in the center of His will. There is no fear in facing Him. In fact, great joy will fill your heart at the thought of seeing Him soon.

Elisabeth Elliot, a well-known author and speaker, once told a group of women that the safest place for any person is in the center of God’s will. I experienced this truth that day. We were certainly relieved when the bomb threat turned out to be a false alarm. But even during the time of wondering if the plane might be blown to bits, I felt safe. I was exactly where God wanted me to be.

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

Father, thank you for giving us peace, perfect peace, in place of fear. Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/03/19/kk_bomb-scare/
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women