Sunday Devotional........9/11/16

Good Morning...

Today I met my friend Diane for breakfast. We meet about one Saturday a month for breakfast, and it is always interesting and illuminating,When we get together we spend a few hours discussing all kinds of things. Friends like this are fun to spend time with.

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Today's devotional is written by Jan Andersen. The title is "OUT OF THESE ASHES"  Jan writes about how the uncertainties of life can create ashes.  But out of these ashes we can rise, or even use the ashes to our benefit. 

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  Today's Devotional   

"OUT OF THESE ASHES"

written by

Jan Andersen

Fifteen years ago today there was a horrendous terrorist attack on American soil when three airliners crashed into the twin towers and the Pentagon.  As the morning unfolded and more details emerged, it became evident that many lives were lost in the fires and collapses that ensued, or even some who tried to jump out the windows.  Some of those lives were on those planes that crashed, some were in the buildings that were hit, and some were people who went in to save others only to lose their own lives in the process.  It was a frightening time with a lot of uncertainties and unknowns.  

Our lives are full of uncertain times.  As we go through school, we likely have insecurities, unclear where we fit in, or unsure how we will do in class.  When we get our first job, we wonder if we will learn everything we need to know to do well.  Aging brings its own unpredictable moments, such as relationship difficulties, health issues, losses, etc.  We can even feel buried in sins that we repeat over and over.  In dealing with these issues, sometimes we are besieged with depression, anxiety, dependancies or addictions to escape reality, etc.  We question how we will ever make it through all these ash heaps of uncertainties. 

Out of these ashes also can come great things.  For America 9/11 was one of the darkest days and one of the finest.  Many heroes stepped up during the attacks to save others, or after to search through the rubble and ashes.  People pulled together to support each other throughout the tragedies.  During my school years I formed great relationships with friends and certain faculty members.  They helped me sift through the ashes of difficulties I went through.  Some of those connections continue to this day.  I have made it through many first days on the job through the years and continued to grow and develop my skills and succeed.  Unpredictable times will continue as I address my own relationship or health issues.  God makes all things work for our good, because his desire is for us to be blessed.  Crises can drive us back to his comforting arms for support.  Troubles help us develop skills we may have never dreamed we were capable of learning.  We also then can help others going through the same challenges.  Sometimes I have to fall deep into the ash heap before I let go of something detrimental, and that allows God to place something better in my hands.  Wood ashes actually can be used for positive things like making cleansers, shining silver, enhancing soil and the like.  Sometimes we thrive in spite of life's ashes, and other times we use them for something better.  Because I am a forgiven and saved sinner, I can share with others the joy of forgiveness in Christ, Jesus.

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)  The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Dear Lord in heaven, help us turn to you in uncertain times for help and guidance.  We know full well that you are still in control, even when things around us seem to be falling apart.  There are times when we mess up, and our lives seem to be burning to the ground.  Out of these ashes you can make great things happen.  Help us to see these times as beneficial for our own growth and for the sake of others to whom we witness.  Bestow on us that crown of beauty of forgiven souls instead of ashes of sin heaped upon our heads.  Thank you for your loving mercy.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

When singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman lost his 5 year old daughter, he wrote this song which I hope you will enjoy:

Beauty Will Rise, by Steven Curtis Chapman

GOD SMILE ON. HELP, AND

PLEASE BLESS AMERICA