Rings, Rainbows, and Reminders

September 10, 2014 rainbow. Photo credit: Ben Sturner @leverageagency

It was a beautiful sight. A rainbow formed in the heavens and anchored at the World Trade Center building on the eve of the 14th anniversary of an attack on that very site.

September 11, 2001 the United States was attacked. A date that will live in infamy, and be etched on the hearts of this generation. Each anniversary of that date there are many celebrations of heroism and stories told of those nearly 3,000 souls whose lives were taken that day. We have now erected new buildings and memorials as we both celebrate the heroism and mourn the loss of people who most likely did not wake with the idea that day would be their last.

Rainbows are a reminder from God that He made an everlasting covenant with every living creature of all flesh on the earth, His sign to us that “never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.” Genesis 9:15. What a precious sign we have, a visible reminder that God remembers and keeps His word. I like to think of it as God's wedding ring to us. He reminds us He is still wearing His.

A significant part of the promise is not to be overlooked. God did look on the earth and saw that it was filled with corruption and violence, and the wickedness was great and the thoughts of the hearts of men was only evil continually. His judgment was destruction of the unrighteous. There was a righteous man, Noah. He and his family were preserved through this judgment and the rainbow was given as a sign that God will always keep His promises.

We need reminders, because it behooves us to remember. The events of September 11, 2001 came at the hand of those who do not believe in God, and do not know Him. They will face a time of judgment, for God is still righteous and still sees. He will return “dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction.” 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9.

We need to remember that

• He sees our wickedness and thoughts of our hearts,
• He is the righteous judge and will execute judgment,
• He will return and bring with Him retribution for unbelievers,
• We need to earnestly trust Him,
• We need to eagerly seek and share Him for we do not know which day will be our last.

Father,

We see reminders all around us of our own wickedness, and still see Your promise shining in the heavens. We know You alone are righteous and we must be clothed in Your righteousness in order to enter into Your kingdom. Thank You for coming to earth as a man, taking our sins upon Yourself, and paying the penalty for our unrighteousness. Thank You for the reminders all around us that You are with us.

I pray that each person whose eyes read these words will look to you before their last days on earth, and give their hearts to You. I pray You will help us to be aware of Your presence and share Your truth with all those who need to hear. Give us prompting to point the world to You – our only hope.

Interested in more stories of faith? Read

Oscar the Extraordinary Hummingbird 

and 

Other Tales From Life In My Father's World

available on
Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/Oscar-Extraordinary-Hummingbird-Other-Fathers/dp/1490882197/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1434117054&sr=1-1

Westbow Press -http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000990255/Oscar-the-Extraordinary-Hummingbird.aspx

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oscar-the-extraordinary-hummingbird-lisa-worthey-smith/1122075111?ean=9781490882178