31 Days of Promise and Hope: Christmas Means Having a Wonderful Counselor
Mr. Etheridge was my guidance counselor in middle school. He was a kind man and always very patient. He continually gave me great advice and didn’t mind spending time listening to my problems, heartaches, and middle school woes. He was [...]
31 Days of December…..Day 2: Christmas is about Presence
Thunder and lightening are two things that always brought our family together when our kids were younger. I always knew when a thunderstorm was forecast, that our bedroom would have visitors. One flash of lightening and a crack of thunder [...]
31 Days of Promise and Hope…Day 1: God is Faithful
Christmas is such a magical time of the year. Elves on the shelves, presents, family gatherings, ribbons, all the lights, decorated trees, and shopping tend to capture our imagination and time. For several months we become consumed with the magic [...]
It’s Time to Say Thanks and Live with Gratitude!
Selfishness is the root of a life that fails to show gratitude to God. Selfishness affects our view. Too often, it skews our view of God and our present circumstances. So, as a result, we look around at others [...]
The Impatience of Measuring Once
Truthfully, I am not the best when it comes to woodworking. But, early in my marriage I thought it would be something that I could master. I mean, how hard could it be? So, I spent much money to [...]
Militant Mosquitos and Corporate Worship
If you’re like me, around this point in the summer, you are probably getting very tired of humid mornings, sweaty afternoons, and militant mosquito evenings. Let's face it….we are all looking forward to the fall. Now, when I say fall, [...]
Cracked Walls, Overflowed Toilets, and Pouring Rain
Do you ever get that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you look up from your couch and notice an 18-inch crack in your family room wall? It’s a feeling that is really difficult to explain. What [...]
We All Have 168
I’m sure you are wondering about 168? Can you guess? Well, it’s simple. There are 168 hours in a week. Every one of us have 168 hours in each week. The question is, “What are with doing with those [...]
Amazing Love
It was very early in the morning. While Peter was denying knowledge of Jesus, Jesus was going through some of the most disrespectful times in three separate and illegal evening trials. At some point during the evening, Jesus had [...]
Forgiveness: Cover or Confront?
Life is full of disappointment and hurt. This person hurts you, that person hurts you, your boss hurts you, your spouse hurts you, your cousin hurts you, your best friend hurts you, and people you don’t even know hurt you. [...]
10 Reasons Employees Stay!
Here are a few of my thoughts about leaders and the positive influence they can have on their employees. Lead, don’t lord A real leader leads. People generally react better when they are led and not driven. The changing [...]
Obedience is Hard!
Let’s be honest. Obedience is hard. We require it of our children and our employees, but drive faster than the speed limit because rules and laws don’t apply to us. It’s not a speed limit, just a speed suggestion. Obedience [...]
Is It Really All About Me?
Humility is easier to define than to display. Some would say that humility is the opposite of pride. Some would say that humility is the absence of pride. The problem is as believers we all struggle with pride. [...]
Don’t Mess With Success: Setting Goals!
Christ-centered Everything we do is simply a reflection of who we are and what we value. Values are important to us because they guide just about all we do. Values help to guide us through the many challenges. Some challenges [...]
31 Days of Promise and Hope…..Day 31: Promise and Hope
That is what we seek. That is what we need. Today, I want to end our 31-day journey by sharing that promise and hope. We know our problem is sin, and sin causes us separation with God. We also know [...]
31 Days of Promise and Hope…..Day 30: Inherited + Imputed = We need help!
Yesterday we reviewed the significance of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden. As a result of Adam’s sin, we all have a corrupt nature. His sin was passed down to us. “Therefore, just as sin came into the world [...]
31 Days of Promise and Hope…..Day 29: I Can’t Believe They Did That!
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, [...]
31 Days of Promise and Hope…..Day 28: The Defined Problem
I want to spend the next four days explaining very clearly what someone needs to do to be born again. I don’t intend to oversimplify, but only to be very clear. Everything we’ve discussed so far in our 31 Days [...]
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.