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 [...]
SWISH!
Playing basketball was one of my favorite things to do when I was growing up. I would play in the mornings before school, in the afternoons after school, and in the evenings with the floodlights pointing toward the goal when [...]
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 [...]
How to Be a Great Small Group Member!
Many years ago, Jesus began a small group ministry with 12 untrained and uneducated men. The simple instructions were to "follow him." If I were one of the disciples, I think I would want a little more information before making [...]
The Number One Small Group Leader Trait……Integrity
Asiana Airlines Flight 214 from Seoul, South Korea, crashed at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, July 6th, 2013. 307 people entered the plane from ramps and exited on inflatable slides through the smoke and fire. Things like this really [...]
Why I Hate Small Groups!
If nothing else, I figured the title of this post would probably get your attention. Don't stop reading. This may be one of the most important things you've read in a long time. Do I hate small groups? NO. However, I [...]
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, [...]
Life is Better When You’re Connected: Why Small Groups are Important!
Churches throughout the world are seeing greater value in Small Groups than ever before. While weekly corporate worship times are great opportunities to worship God together, they are also the front door for many who visit the church. However, an [...]
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 [...]
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.