January 28th: Trust Requires a Response – Psalm 23
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. You can trust Him Trust is a curious thing. It takes years to build it and one second to destroy it. Trust is built through [...]
January 27: You Can’t Do it Alone! – Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want I need a shepherd. Life sometimes throws us things that are so difficult and heavy that we simply want to give [...]
January 25: The Lord is Majestic – Psalm 8
It's all in a name. I had the chance to personally meet John Calipari a few years ago. He is the coach for the University of Kentucky men's basketball team. We had a very brief conversation. He did not [...]
January 23rd: Is it Good to Ask for God’s Blessing? – Psalm 134
In a day when so many people are encouraged to pray for God's financial blessings in their lives, God's blessing becomes a taboo subject in many churches. Big name pastors live in multi-million dollar houses, fly in their own [...]
January 22: God Showed Me Something Amazing Last Night – Psalm 133
Have you ever looked at Scripture and been amazed as the words jumped off the page and their meaning touched you in a very special way? That's what happened last night as I read through Psalm 133. It is [...]
January 21st: Born in Your Heart – Psalm 132
Sometimes I wonder what God really wants me to do. I have tons of ideas, but how do they really work out? I think the key is to realize that while we may have plans, God is the one [...]
January 18th: Why Can’t I Know? – Psalm 131
I want to know why! If I don't get answers soon it will drive me crazy! I absolutely HAVE TO UNDERSTAND why God has allowed this to happen in my life. These are thoughts that seem to invade our [...]
January 17: Stoplights and Mercy – Psalm 130
Maybe I'm just a guy, but when I look at a stoplight it becomes an enemy. I wait and I wait and I wait for it to change from red to green so I can get to my destination. [...]
January 14: I Want Justice! – Psalm 129
Do you ever just want justice because of some oppression or affliction? Someone wrongs you and you want to take care of it and issue your own justice. No doubt you would return harm for harm and cause things [...]
Envy is the Enemy of Contentment – February 17
Love does not envy ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4 Paul was my best friend growing up. He lived two doors down and we did most everything together. We played video games, football, basketball, and most everything else. I can remember [...]
Love is Kind – February 14
Love is Kind ~1 Corinthians 13:4 So often on Valentine's Day, we think of girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands and wives, and people who are falling in love. I want to steer the ship in a different direction today. I [...]
Patience is Difficult – February 13
Love is patient ~1 Corinthians 13:1 This is certainly the time of year when we all think about those we love. I wanted to share some thoughts about the kind of love that Jesus wants us to demonstrate towards [...]
Trials Make No Sense To Me – February 12
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ~James 1:2 Trials are very difficult for me to grasp. I guess it is because [...]
Maturity is Critical for Church Health – February 11
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ~Philippians 1:6 Philippians has been a favorite book of so many throughout the [...]
God Cares About You – February 10
When I look at your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him and the son of man that you care [...]
The Lord is Faithful – February 7
His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136:1-3) The Psalmist cries out for a call to thanksgiving for God's people. He says to give thanks, show gratitude, or show appreciation to God because His love is steadfast. This thankfulness is [...]
3 Keys to Dwelling with the Lord – February 6
...and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever ~Psalm 23:6 What a scene! The banquet table is spread. Food and drink as far as the eye can see. So many guests...and you're one of them. You [...]
Three Components of God’s Love – February 5
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ~Psalm 23:6 I had a dog for nearly 10 1/2 years whose name was Riley. She was the best! When I was outside working in the [...]
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.