Paul Prayed and People were Encouraged
I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5 Paul [...]
Faith in Action is Undeniably Influential
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 People always impact others even when [...]
Is God a Racist, and How Does He View Others?
But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace. Ephesians 2:13-14 Hate is such an ugly word. People tend to look at [...]
Is Prayer Really Necessary for a Believer?
And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35 Prayer is something extraordinarily personal to me. It is something I try [...]
The Mercy of God’s Call in Our Lives
I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. Matthew 9:12 In the middle of our ordinary days, God sometimes calls us out to do things that we would usually overlook. I [...]
The Sound of Silence is So Sweet
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. (Psalm 62:5) Learn something in every situation. After seven weeks in isolation, many of us are beginning to reflect on our current circumstances and [...]
The Devoted Church in Crisis
And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and the fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers and awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. Acts 2:42 It's [...]
Loyal Love is Something we all Need
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7 We all thrive on loyalty. Loyalty is one foundation of a healthy relationship. When Lari and I [...]
Why Do You Keep Doing What You’re Doing?
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18 People often ask me [...]
Falling Requires Heaving Lifting in Relationships
For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:10 Falling is not a comfortable feeling. I've had five [...]
Relationships Can Heal or Hurt
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 The longer I live, the more I understand the importance of relationships. Life is about relationships we build with God and with others. [...]
Despair is a Great Reason to Seek God
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4 I'm so done with this virus. I've tried to be obedient and follow the rules [...]
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 [...]
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.