The Speed Limit is 60…Speed it up Man!
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by [...]
God is Our Refuge…Run to Him
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 The city of Ninevah was soon to be taken captive by the Assyrian army. Their culture had diminished, [...]
Love Your Enemies Doesn’t Make Sense to Me
You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:43-44 Seriously? Love who? Pray for who? [...]
Turn the Other Cheek…Are You Kidding?
But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 I was probably 13 years old. I had a neighbor whose front yard connected with mine and made the perfect football field, [...]
A Strong Foundation Withstands Adversity
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 Years ago, I built my first shed at my home in West Columbia. [...]
Fear is a Defeated Foe When we Cry Out
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 I don't like snakes. I'm sure that many people are just like me, but I don't like them. It has nothing to [...]
My Patience is Completely Gone!
with patience, bearing with one another in love... Ephesians 4:2 I'm done! I can't stand to be in this house any longer. I have to get out and go somewhere. Anywhere. I just have to get out. Relationships are [...]
Keys to Rejoicing in Difficult Times
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy... There are generally two responses to the pandemic in the world today. People are either extremely zealous to wash their hands, wear a mask, [...]
3 Important Characteristics of Your Passion
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere... Psalm 84:10 How do you describe passion? People are passionate about hunting, fishing, football, and tailgating. People are passionate about their lawns, cars, free time, and hobbies. [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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.