Today, as in every day, we "draw near to God," and we know "he who promised is faithful." Now the verses go on to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" - and while we all know what that means spiritually and practically, let me have a little fun today by suggesting a FUN deed for this special day - Columbus Day! Sales are in all the shops on this Italiano holiday - so, Italian or not, ......LET'S GO SHOPPING!
;-) -------
It's Columbus Day, and in honor of the great Italiano, his three little ships, and my America (for I discovered it too!!), this Italiano mama, who loves to shop and eat (not necessarily in that order), is going to take you all shopping! So all aboard...we're sailing back to Bible days and who knows what treasures we'll find!
Now you must understand that I like consignment shops, those little nooks where you can find pre-owned clothing at a price, a good price! So as we sail the sea (and I hope you're driving!!), should I see a sign that says "SALE!", we're stopping, putting down anchor, picking up our carry-alls, and heading for the shops
First stop: It's the strangest brass store you've ever seen, but I just spotted a bargain. It's a complete, never-worn ARMOR, would you believe....and it belongs to DAVID. NO--it doesn't belong to David; he never wore it! It was owned by the king and discarded by David--and it's ours if we want it! Now we fight alot of battles in life--but if I remember the story correctly, David decided he didn't NEED that big old heavy armor. He would be clothed with the power of the Lord--and it was FREE...I believe that's MY choice too, how about you!
Second stop: A jewelry store I'd never walk into without a rich man's wallet. Precious stones--and there in the corner sits a gorgeous crown, never worn...wonder whose it is? I look closer and see Moses' name engraved inside. A crown MOSES could have had--and never wore. He gave it up, choosing rather to suffer with the children of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. I think I'll pass on that one too.....and I do believe it's no loss. For awaiting me some day is a FREE crown of life...that's MY choice, how about you!
Stores are about to close...and we've one more stop to make--a men's clothing shop. Now here I may find some bargains for my boys. We MUST stop--and I'm glad we did--for look, on the floor lies a barely-worn palace robe--the new fad fashion for teen boys (sure!) in Springfield! Just one small tear--we could fix that. But WHY would someone leave it on the floor? If you were JOSEPH, you would too...you'd run for your life from that woman, the queen. She can keep the coat for a souvenir...for along with Joseph, I'm choosing God's FREE robe of righteousness, how about you!
Back to the boats...we've not bought a thing--but oh, what bargains! We're clothed with the power of God, crowned with life eternal, and garbed in a righteous robe fit for a king. All free--and ours for the choosing. Now I challenge you to keep on shopping in God's Word....discover some other treasures HE has in His heavenly storehouse...there's an abundance of free grace, love, joy, peace, mercy, forgiveness--in "layaway" just for you. Appropriate what you need this day--it's all paid for--and have a great shopping day today!
Prayer: "Lord, thank You for Your Word, where I learn about choices that godly men and women made; choices to rely on You, to serve You and to honor You. I choose to honor you and to receive from your storehouse all the good things You have planned for me, In Jesus' Name, Amen."
TODAY'S FEATURED LINKS:
Italy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"10 Great Places to Discover Italy in America" - USATODAY.com
Annie's Columbus Day Page
Italian music: The late Luciano Pavarotti - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . . . YouTube - Pavarotti - "Nessun Dorma"
Italian dining link!:
St. Louis, MO - The Hill . . .
St Louis Fine Restaurant Guide - the Hill
Shopping link:
Mall of America
--Copyright 2008 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO.
--Bible readings: Courtesy of "Daily Manna," International Bible Society
--IBSDirect International Bible Society's bulk Bibles/resources at discount prices.
