January 12: Don’t Worry, Be Happy! – Psalm 128
Everyone wants to be happy. It is a state of mind that omits discouraging and negative things and thoughts that discourage us. When we are happy, the people around us notice. And when they notice it gives us a [...]
January 10: Great Things – Psalm 127
This is a song of ascent again as a traveler makes his way towards Jerusalem to worship. However, as you read it, you can see a shift in the way it is written. It is definitely written in the [...]
January 9: God’s Unexpected Grace – Psalm 126
Have you ever experienced a time when God did something really amazing in your life and restored you from a time of distress and incredible burdens? Maybe someone died in your family and you dropped quickly into a time [...]
January 8: Trust God with Everything – Psalm 125
You can absolutely have confidence in God. I realize that sometimes we feel that God is far away from us and almost seems to be too busy for our small problems and concerns. However, He cares so deeply for [...]
January 7: Sometimes we just need to say Thanks! – Psalm 124
With all of the things going on in our busy lives, we run the risk of forgetting one of the most simple responses to God's goodness. Thanks. Once a year, we gather together with our families to eat more [...]
January 6: How do you Handle Contempt? – Psalm 123
When we have troubled times or people around us throw scorn and contempt our way, how do we respond? I would venture to say that we return evil for evil. At least that's what we want to do. Be [...]
January 5: Worship is Such a Chore! – Psalm 122
"Worship is just a chore." "Sundays are just so hard for my family." I've heard it so many times. Sunday mornings are often the most conflicted days of the year for many families. What should we do? Where should [...]
January 4: Lord, I need help! – Psalm 121
Everyone in life needs a help. If we're honest, we need a ton of help. It seems the world today lures us into financial difficulty, drains our emotional health, and strains our closest relationships. Today we're looking at Psalm [...]
January 3: Our Distress is God’s Opportunity – Psalm 120
Distress is something that happens to most of us at times in our lives when we can least handle it. Generally, distress captures us when we allow anxiety to overcome our thoughts and create worst-case scenarios for our circumstances. [...]
You’re a Special Guest – February 4
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows ~Psalm 23:5 The Shepherd provides your safety Anytime you have the opportunity to interact with others in a [...]
You Don’t Have to Fear – February 3
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ~Psalm 23:4 Dorothy walks with special care and in [...]
Righteousness Through Humility – January 31
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake ~ Psalm 23: What defines your life? When people look at you what do you want them to see or remember? Do you want others to remember you [...]
He Restores Your Soul – January 30
He restores my soul ~ Psalm 23:3 Life is full of challenges. You win some and you lose some. As a result, this makes you a prime target for disappointment along the journey. People, situations, and other circumstances will [...]
The Shepherd Provides in Dry Times – January 29
He leads me beside the still waters - Psalm 23:2 As an older elementary school student I played basketball in a youth league in our town. Most of you won't believe this, but I was on the Orange Team. [...]
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 [...]
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.