Grace is Given to Meet Our Needs
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 "Is there anything you can do?" I couldn't think of anything [...]
Imitate Dr. J? No problem for Me!
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1 I always wanted to be a basketball star. It began with helping my dad put [...]
I Can’t Love that Person! They Don’t Deserve It!
...rooted and grounded in love. Ephesians 3:17 I generally change the oil in my vehicles. It's not that I've had horrible experiences in some places, but well, maybe I have. So if I change it myself, I only have [...]
Strength is Necessary and Available
That, according to the riches of His glory, He may grant you to be strengthened with the power through His Spirit in your inner being... Ephesians 3:16 What is your superpower? I always wanted to be Superman because I [...]
Prayer Should Never be a Boring Activity
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father Ephesians 3:14a "I just don't have the time. I pray on the way to work." I've heard that so many times throughout my ministry. I sometimes chuckle inside because [...]
Pride Keeps God from Rewarding Humility
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6 My grandfather was perhaps the most humble man I knew when it came to business. He was a real estate broker in West Columbia for as long [...]
God is All We Need, All the Time
For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the [...]
Sorrow is God’s Opportunity to Strengthen
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Psalm 119:28 It was Christmas break, and I remember it vividly. I had a dog named "Shoes." He was a rascal. He would dig out from under [...]
God’s Word Helps Us in Many Ways
Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of [...]
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. [...]
Grace is Given to Meet Our Needs
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 "Is there anything you can do?" I couldn't think of anything [...]
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.