Is Prayer is Necessary? – March 27
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 When do you pray? I realize this is a very personal question, [...]
Is Eternity Worth Chasing? – March 26
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 7:21 I thought I did enough to make it. I [...]
Are you Broken Hearted Today? – March 25
He heals the brokenhearted. Psalm 147:3 It's 4:30 am and pouring rain. I can't sleep. So off to the coffee pot I go. I'm not sure what I'd do without my french press friend who helps me each morning [...]
Pride is the Enemy of Light – March 24
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them... Matthew 6:1 "Look at me! Watch what I'm doing! I'm helping people! I'm cutting their bushes. I'm washing their car. I'm raking their yard. [...]
Our Hope is in You, Lord – March 23
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him, our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you [...]
Follow Jesus and Disrupt Your Preferences
If anyone wants to follow after Me, let him deny himself. Matthew 16:24 There are so many things in life that I want. I would love to be a body-builder, but what are the chances? I have a desire [...]
Christ is our Hope – Day 3 of our Semi-Quarantine
To them, God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ~ Colossians 1:27 Hope is an exciting word. Some [...]
The Lord Provides in Day 2 of our Semi-Quarantine
The Lord is my strength and shield; in Him, my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song, I give thanks to Him. Psalm 28:7 Well, this morning I woke up to pouring rain [...]
Who do You Trust When it All Falls Apart – March 12
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust. Psalm 40:4 I drove down to Florida to see my son not too long ago. I took my truck, which I love. I started the truck and took off. [...]
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. [...]
3 “Must Do” Activities While We Wait for Corona
Grab Your Bible Many of you have a Bible sitting around your house collecting dust. I'm not saying that you don't read your Bible, but just that most of us have more Bibles than we could ever use. In [...]
He Lives! He Lives!
It was early in the morning just before dawn as the women woke from their restless sleep. There is no doubt in my mind that the women who went to the tomb early in the morning did so because [...]
Oh What Joy Tomorrow Will Bring
Jesus died yesterday. They placed his body in the borrowed tomb. The sadness experienced by those who knew Jesus best turned to despair as His death penetrated and broke their hearts. Peter continued to ponder his denial of Christ [...]
Palm Saturday was an Interesting Day, April 4
Many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. John 12:11 One day away. The Saturday before Palm Sunday was a day of celebration and somber anticipation. Lazarus had been raised from the dead and was celebrated [...]
3 Ways We Can Trust the Lord – April 3
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4 If you know me, you know I'm a dog person. I always have been, and I imagine I always will be. I think we [...]
The Lord’s Knowledge and Protection – April 2
...even there Your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10 Growing up in my house was fun. I can remember having sock fights with my sister. We would barricade ourselves in our rooms, [...]
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.