January 2: Psalm 1 – Will You Take the Challenge?
A Christ-Follower Meditates Day and Night A new year is here, and it is an excellent time to consider who we are and what we do. So many people begin their new year by reflecting on those missed opportunities and [...]
Crisis and the Church
Crisis happens and people are always balancing times of crisis and times of normalcy. Where do people go when they’re in crisis? Oftentimes to the corner of a room, lie down in a fetal position, and beg God to [...]
Regret and its Remedy
Regret is when you wake up the day after Thanksgiving and realize that you don’t own a pair of those pants your grandfather used to wear. You know...the ones that tend to stretch when you attempt to fasten them [...]
When the Unimaginable Happens…Pray
Around 11:30 am on Sunday morning, November 5th, the unimaginable happened in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Evil entered a church and began indiscriminately shooting people. All seemed normal. All were safe. Those who were in the church that morning woke [...]
The Election is a Distraction
This year’s election cycle has many people in a real predicament. The presidential election, like none other, seems to have created a real division among those who claim to love Jesus. I’ve heard that you cannot possibly love Jesus [...]
The Risk of Accepting
Patience is certainly a virtue and fruit of the Spirit given to each believer at the time of their salvation. This patience is definitely not a perfect patience, but is like a seed that continues to grow. As patience [...]
Tolerance can be Treacherous
Patience is a virtue. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Patience is an amazing gift given to believers at salvation so that we can demonstrate God’s ability to lead us and guide us through the raging waters of [...]
Patience is a Virtue…Live it with Persistence
Patience always seems to get a bad reputation. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard people talk about patience as if it were some kind of ugly word only to be uttered in the middle of [...]
The Worst Year of My Life!
New hopes, new dreams, new promises, renewed goals, renewed activities, and a new sense of “I can do it” all accompany the anticipation of a new calendar year. I have always been amazed at how moving from one month [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.