Contentment Should Always Replace Complaining
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and listed generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15 [...]
Patience is the Key to Peace and Unity
With patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2b-3 "God, give me patience!" I've heard it hundreds of times and have even said it a [...]
Seek the Lord’s Strength and Presence Continuously
Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually! Psalm 105:4 When my wife, Lari, and I started dating, it completely changed my life for the good. She was a student at Winthrop University, and I was a [...]
Plans are Great When God Directs
The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 I learned quickly to use a planner and calendar when I started college. High school wasn't so bad, but in college, I had [...]
Rest is Available to All Who Dare to Cast
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Saturdays always seem to be a workday around our house. We always seem to have projects and lists of things to do to keep up [...]
God’s Presence is Always with Us
Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 I've often heard that the Lord will never give you more than you [...]
If Faith is Essential, Why is it so Difficult?
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 I sure hope the Steelers win the Super Bowl this year! I hope it doesn't rain today. Hopefully, I won't get the [...]
Seek the Right Fish and You’ll Catch Fish
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart Psalm 119:2 Fishing used to be a passion for me. Because I lived near a lake and had a boat, I would go fishing nearly [...]
Scripture is a Source of Strength
I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 The very first verse I learned after becoming a Christ-follower was this verse. It's incredible that I still remember learning it. [...]
Pray Always for Your Friends Because They Need it
...and they continued to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 Sometimes you just need to pray. There are other times in life when you need others to pray. Prayer is a significant opportunity God gave us [...]
We Should Only Contend with Others when Necessary
Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Proverbs 3:30 There is always that person. You know who it is, and they continue to pull your chain. They push your buttons. [...]
Hope in the Middle of Protests and Riots
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Philippians 3:7 We all need hope. Life seems to be so draining today. COVID-19, Murder Hornets, Crazy Rats, tropical storms, and Racial Injustice all [...]
Affirming Relationships Have Similar Characteristics
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 Affirming relationships are impossible to achieve! I've had it with people. How about you? Can you believe how they act, talk, and the ridiculous [...]
Relationship Issues are Sometimes a Pain
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 There is nothing more reassuring than a long fuse on a firecracker. I remember as a kid going out to the road and lighting a [...]
Loving Others in a George Floyd World
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 From an early age, our parents and teachers teach us to be a friend to others. I can remember hearing my mom tell [...]
Always Choose the Right Motivation
whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, [...]
Love Drives Everything God Does
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Psalm 145:8 Sometimes you run across a verse that jumps out at you and screams, "You need to hear this today!" This is one of those [...]
Success is Possible Wherever You Go
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you [...]
It seemed appropriate for our children to study about Noah’s ark and the flood in our Sunday School this past Sunday. Our parking lot had become a flowing river and people all over the city began to experience the results of 10-17 inches of rain over the past couple of days. For the safety of those who might have braved the weather, I cancelled all of our services for the day. I waited at the church for an hour or so in the event someone showed up unexpectedly. This never happened. So, I used the time to pray for our city and state.
I can’t even begin to understand the devastating loss. Our state, like many others, is connected through so many different relationships. This web of relationships extends not only through the state, but also through other states as well. We hurt for those who became victims of the uncertain flooding. Thousands and thousands of people are struggling to figure out their next steps as they spend time in shelters and hotels around the state. Many are cut off from surrounding communities because the rising water washed away access from all roads. Many of the hardest hit cities are without running water, and those who do have water in those areas have been encouraged to boil their water before drinking. I’m sure that you’ve seen pictures of the widespread destruction. It is bad. I ask that you pray for South Carolina.
Officials in Columbia, S.C. stated that all deaths were from an identical cause: people stranded in cars that filled with water. He was sure the death toll would increase as the waters begin to recede.
You may ask, “What is the purpose of such tragedy,” or “What now?” I want to explore a couple of thoughts with you.
God’s Ways are Higher than Ours
For some, this may be an excuse without support. However, as I reflect on the difficult times we face in life, I am always reminded that God’s purpose prevails (Proverbs 19:21). God takes the tragedy and destruction in this world and uses it for His good. We may never know how many people God will change as a result of what has happened in South Carolina this week. I am not minimizing the heartbreak, but I am highlighting the one who mends the broken hearted.
God’s Economy Helps us to Understand the Brevity of Stuff
We live in a self-sufficient world that seemingly does not need God. We have everything we need. We have cars, fancy houses, granite top counters, stainless steel appliances, computers, antique furniture, family pictures, and things that mean so much to us. However, God’s economy says that those things are just things that will eventually be gone (Matthew 6:19). While our stuff may not last, our relationship with God will.
God’s Desire is to Have a Relationship with us
Above all, God desires to have a relationship with us. He created us to worship Him and Him alone. This relationship begins with our salvation (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9; 8:9-10) and continues as we walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). This relationship is more important than anything else in your life. It is more important than your spouse, children, job, or career path.
So now what?
If you are in the middle of the flood crisis, seek God for His favor and grace in your life. God will provide so much love and care for you in the middle of what seems like total devastation. Pray and seek God’s strength. Pray and seek God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Understanding Philippians 4:6-7 is easy when things are going well in our lives. But, lose your house, car, family pet, years of photographs, and other significant items and it becomes more difficult.
If you are reading this from the outside, please pray for the people of South Carolina. I really believe God is going to do things with the hearts of people throughout this state and country. Your generous donations have helped to provide water, shelter, and clothing to so many.
Pray that God would allow you to develop a heart of compassion towards those who are less fortunate. As we develop a right understanding of our place in the universe, we quickly acknowledge that we are really just a small part of something incredibly large. Pray that God would allow you to significantly touch someone today and make a difference. You never know the difficulty someone may be facing.