Is My Faith Really Enough to Matter?
Increase our faith Luke 17:5 Faith is an exciting thing. When I was younger, I used to watch the television show "Bewitched." I thought it was the coolest show. Samantha, not your ordinary evil witch, was married to Darrin. [...]
Enter Through the Door Before it Shuts
Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:24 There are no more ominous words written in Scripture. When the door shuts, it will not [...]
The Bible is a Key to Jumping through Hoops
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul Psalm 19:7 Life is just hard. Every day seems to bring its share of difficulties and hurdles. We jump through one hoop, and there is another one waiting [...]
God’s Love Helps Us Weather the Storms
Preserve me, O God, for in you, I take refuge. Psalm 16:1 I am beginning to realize that I have some pretty significant weaknesses in life as I get older. I can't bend down like I used to, and [...]
What Does Your Heart Say About God?
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." Psalm 14:1 When you look around today at the violence, riots, unrest, licentiousness, and complete disregard for human life in many cases, you sometimes wonder if there is a [...]
God is More than a Genie in a Lamp
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8 There are times when we need to be reminded of the value and magnificence of God's care [...]
Great Fear is a Healthy Part of our Relationship
And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Acts 5:11 When I was in elementary school, my mom used to take me to Westdale pharmacy in West Columbia. It was a [...]
The Barrier to Salvation is Breakable
Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did." John 4:39 There is a false narrative that if a person lives a good life that he or [...]
Jesus Wasn’t Interested in a Rebellion
Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6 I know it's hard to believe, but when I was a boy, I would not shut up. No, seriously. I would talk and talk and talk. [...]
Evangelicalism: The Donkey and Elephant Fight
Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime. - Dale Carnegie As if politics weren't already confusing enough, the American people and people worldwide saw something very [...]
Goodly Doesn’t Always Mean Godly
The Lord has sought out a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over His people because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you. 1 Samuel 13:14 Goodly people sometimes [...]
Following Others is Often a Risk
Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations. 1 Samuel 8:6 The allure of being like everyone else is often a mirage of something that never delivers what it promises. We look around [...]
Unsinkable Faith May Be More Than You Think
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 "There is no danger that Titanic will sink. The boat is unsinkable and nothing but inconvenience will be suffered by the passengers." [...]
911: What if We Have it All Wrong?
Love your enemies... Matthew 5:44 Never Forget... I've heard and read those words so many times since 911. It seems to be the battle cry for our country, and motivation for revenge and protection. Nearly 3,000 people died, and [...]
Gratefulness is an Attribute of a Heart Chasing God
You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:28-29 Gratefulness is [...]
Pray for Your Children as They Go Back to School
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him and his righteousness to children's children Psalm 103:17 Today, most of our children head back to school and begin the daily struggle [...]
Devotion is Difficult, But Not Impossible
With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27 Sometimes when we see COVID, cancer, and other chronic illnesses, we start to lose hope over time. People fill hospital beds [...]
Is My Faith Really Enough to Matter?
Increase our faith Luke 17:5 Faith is an exciting thing. When I was younger, I used to watch the television show "Bewitched." I thought it was the coolest show. Samantha, not your ordinary evil witch, was married to Darrin. [...]
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.