Question Your Answer

My electronic coupons that had already been used remained in the supermarket account as if they were still valid. But even more frustrating, the coupons in general no longer listed all of the products on which they could be used. So I explained the situation in an online form, even though the company had never responded in a satisfactory way to my previous inquiries. Soon an e-mail response arrived; the customer-service rep assured me that he found no expired coupons in the account. What?! His answer had nothing to do with my coupon concerns.
 
Somehow I felt compelled to fill out the online form once again; I expressed my disappointment in the answer I received to the question I never asked. And soon another reply arrived from a different rep who offered an apology and excuses, plus suggestions that held no hope of resolving the problem. At that point I gave up my accurate-coupon quest.
 
In the New Testament, the apostle Peter pointed out that we need to be ready to give an answer to those who ask us about the reason for our hope. May we carefully consider the question being asked, and may we meekly respond with a fitting reply.

Reading the Rainbow

You might say that we live on Rainbow Ridge. Often I have heard a hurried knock on a closed door, alerting me to the news: “Rainbow!” someone exclaims. I eagerly search the sky until I spy God’s bow.

Many years ago, a preacher spotted this splendorous sign in the sky. He noted that the bow was made for show, not for war; no arrow accompanies this peaceful token that looks up at its Creator. That man noticed, too, how this heavenly bow exhibits bright hues of joy and delight.

That fellow was right. Nor does the bow give place to the black of night, nor is the color solely red as a reminder of war. And what’s more, this bow continues to show that the earth will remain despite heavy rain. When we see the bow we know that God will keep His promise from long ago. So look up! Let that delightful display fill you with awe for our faithful God.

Ponder the Paths

In the third verse of Psalm 23 we read, “ … he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” And in Titus 2:11-12 we find this: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

The Shepherd cares about the behavior of His sheep. He loves us so much that He leads us in righteous paths, giving us the grace we need to live holy lives for His name’s sake.