Not everything in life is always going to go as we planned. Our area is recovering from a devastating F5 Tornado which struck 27 April destroying homes, farms, businesses, cars and took many lives. It takes time to recover from something like this. Even not being personally affected by this but seeing the damage up close and personal as part of clean up crews is shocking. The power of this storm shredded trees, twisted steel billboards on the nearby interstate, turned farm combines on their side, threw cars in the air like tinker toys and flung people up in the air as well. When something like this happens you ask yourself what is really important in life.
Strength and comfort are needed in times like these. When things happen suddenly that rock our world we just have to hold onto Jesus and keep believing God will make a way and things will get better. Loved ones who pass on who accepted Jesus are with him now in paradise as are little babies and children. They are in a better place. It is we who are left behind who grieve as we miss them greatly. It is not God's fault but He is often blamed.
Psalm 116:15 says"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Friend are you grieving and sad today? Cry out to Jesus who can comfort and heal the broken soul.
Isaiah 40:29-31 says "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
PRAYER: Father I ask today that even though the sun may be shining outside it may not be shining in some peoples hearts reading this. I ask you bring comfort as only you can. Give strength to those who feel they can not go on. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Listen to the following song to help restore your soul:
http://youtu.be/q1xNAZEkGj4
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
RUN, WALK, REST, SHINE
As a Christian there are many things we are to do that require action.
First,run the race to win.We are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. I am a runner and I know in the past in the races I have run I do not turn around to see who is behind me but just keep looking forward to the finish line. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Next we are to walk the walk worthy of Christ. Colossians 2:6 says ""As you therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk with Him" . Deuteronomy 5:33 says "Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."
We are to also enter into his rest. Wait just a minute. You want me to run? Next you tell me to walk. Then now I am to rest? Psalm 37:7 says "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Resting involves recharging your 'spiritual battery" so to speak. Allowing yourself to not rush, rush, rush all the time leaving no time for quiet time and renewal.
Finally we are to shine for Jesus. Matthew 5:16 says " in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Isaiah 60:1 says "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."
There you have it. All those things combined give you an active life with Jesus. Run, Walk, Rest, Shine and do it with joy.
PRAYER: Thank you that I can let my light shine for you wherever my feet carry me today. I want to run, walk, rest in you and Shine for you wherever it is I am during my day. In Jesus Name. Amen.
First,run the race to win.We are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. I am a runner and I know in the past in the races I have run I do not turn around to see who is behind me but just keep looking forward to the finish line. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Next we are to walk the walk worthy of Christ. Colossians 2:6 says ""As you therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk with Him" . Deuteronomy 5:33 says "Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."
We are to also enter into his rest. Wait just a minute. You want me to run? Next you tell me to walk. Then now I am to rest? Psalm 37:7 says "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Resting involves recharging your 'spiritual battery" so to speak. Allowing yourself to not rush, rush, rush all the time leaving no time for quiet time and renewal.
Finally we are to shine for Jesus. Matthew 5:16 says " in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Isaiah 60:1 says "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you."
There you have it. All those things combined give you an active life with Jesus. Run, Walk, Rest, Shine and do it with joy.
PRAYER: Thank you that I can let my light shine for you wherever my feet carry me today. I want to run, walk, rest in you and Shine for you wherever it is I am during my day. In Jesus Name. Amen.
PRAY FOR THE NATION
Today across this great land of ours we observe the National Day of Prayer (http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/). This almost did not happen. There was a lawsuit trying to get it stopped. But we won the battle and for now prayer is still safe, at least on this day. We know what happened when it was removed from the public school system. There will be forces of evil out there trying to remove God and prayer. Prayer is powerful and those who want to abolish this special day know that.
We in America have it so good. We are 'fat and happy' so to speak and often times forget God in the process of our prosperity. This past week in Alabama the horrendous outbreak of tornado's caused many victims and volunteers alike to understand first hand what was really important in life. Big houses, fancy cars, lots of stuff, prestigious jobs, wonderful hobbies all pale in comparison to having life and serving Jesus. I spoke to many storm victims this past weekend whose common theme seemed to be 'thanking the Lord for sparing them'. Their earthly homes were in shambles.
Psalm 91:2 is one of the verses used by the presidential prayer team today (http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/) and it says " I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." With all that is happening in our world today, not just the storms that ravaged this area, but other things like a government trying to take our freedoms away, we have to trust in the Lord. We need to continually be praying for the Lord God Almighty to work things out. He has a plan better than what we could imagine. We should pray every day and remember to lift up those who are supposed to be our representatives in Washington, who often dictate but do not 'represent'.
The National Day of Prayer has been happening since 1952. We come together on this day praying for our nation, its' military, and its' leaders. You may not be able, for whatever reason, to join in a formal group of those praying today but go to the websites above and take some time to pray for our country and its' leaders.
The Lord is our fortress. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." What is it going to take to get America to wake up and turn to God? Psalm 18:2 says "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Is the Lord the strength of your life? Do you truly serve him and know him or is he some historical figure or distant in your life? Come to him today and humble yourselves and pray and seek his face, not just on National Day of Prayer but every day.
PRAYER: Father we thank you for freedom. We thank you for living in America where we can openly read our Bible. We thank you for abundant blessings. Father we ask that we stop this day to give you thanks and praise for the gift of life and the wondrous things you have given us. We pray for our leaders to have their hearts turned to you. We pray for more than just leaders to be 'church members' but to truly love God and serve him and pray to Jesus daily before they attempt to lead this land. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/SNdxdCK-wiA
We in America have it so good. We are 'fat and happy' so to speak and often times forget God in the process of our prosperity. This past week in Alabama the horrendous outbreak of tornado's caused many victims and volunteers alike to understand first hand what was really important in life. Big houses, fancy cars, lots of stuff, prestigious jobs, wonderful hobbies all pale in comparison to having life and serving Jesus. I spoke to many storm victims this past weekend whose common theme seemed to be 'thanking the Lord for sparing them'. Their earthly homes were in shambles.
Psalm 91:2 is one of the verses used by the presidential prayer team today (http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/) and it says " I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." With all that is happening in our world today, not just the storms that ravaged this area, but other things like a government trying to take our freedoms away, we have to trust in the Lord. We need to continually be praying for the Lord God Almighty to work things out. He has a plan better than what we could imagine. We should pray every day and remember to lift up those who are supposed to be our representatives in Washington, who often dictate but do not 'represent'.
The National Day of Prayer has been happening since 1952. We come together on this day praying for our nation, its' military, and its' leaders. You may not be able, for whatever reason, to join in a formal group of those praying today but go to the websites above and take some time to pray for our country and its' leaders.
The Lord is our fortress. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." What is it going to take to get America to wake up and turn to God? Psalm 18:2 says "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Is the Lord the strength of your life? Do you truly serve him and know him or is he some historical figure or distant in your life? Come to him today and humble yourselves and pray and seek his face, not just on National Day of Prayer but every day.
PRAYER: Father we thank you for freedom. We thank you for living in America where we can openly read our Bible. We thank you for abundant blessings. Father we ask that we stop this day to give you thanks and praise for the gift of life and the wondrous things you have given us. We pray for our leaders to have their hearts turned to you. We pray for more than just leaders to be 'church members' but to truly love God and serve him and pray to Jesus daily before they attempt to lead this land. In Jesus Name. Amen.
http://youtu.be/SNdxdCK-wiA
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
STORMS OVER, FOR NOW
Take warnings seriously and don't be out running around town. Check. Get in storm shelter.Check. Buy transistor radio and extra batteries. Check. Remind friends to get battery powered cell phone chargers. Check. Get bottled water and some canned food for storm shelter. Check. Sign up to take Red Cross Disaster Assistance Class so I can help in next disaster easier than standing in a line to get wrist band. Check.Make sure weather radio has back up battery power. Check. Have faith in God. Check.
It has been one week from today that the historic record setting deadliest outbreak of tornado's in one day, 226 I heard at last count,having an F5 pass just miles from where I live, ravaged this area and the northern part of Alabama. I do not think I was ever really scared. I was concerned especially as I drove home to take shelter and prayed a tree would not fall on my car as I waited in traffic that was not moving in a wooded area. I think we feel we are never going to be hit or will escape danger. But about 250 souls lost their lives to these monster twisters and possibly the death toll could rise. These killed people of all ages, all races and all economic backgrounds. Children, husbands, wives, grandparents, babies and even the family pet. No one was spared. Miracles occurred too. Houses collapsed on top of people and they crawled out of the rubble alive and well. The residents of other homes took shelter in bathtubs and closets which were covered with debris yet the occupants got out alive. A paper cross remained taped to a family room window where F5 winds had blown through. There was lots of sadness too when a family of five was killed in one community sparing two of the children and another family of four in another community.
Why do things like this happen? Why do some die and others live? There is not a good answer but God can turn bad things into good. He always does. People will be stronger. Families will rebuild and other families will process their grief and move on in life. Deaths are the hardest to deal with and will take the longest to recover from and you may never recover. But we have to move on in life no matter what happens.
Psalm 125:1 says "Those who trust in the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstances." How about you? Is your faith and trust solidly in the Lord Jesus Christ? If not ask him to be Lord of your life and take control today.
PRAYER: Thanks Jesus for another day of life. Thanks for the sunshine and thanks for the rain. Thanks for situations in my life that help make me stronger. Forgive me for ever blaming you for any bad thing. I praise your name Lord. Help me be a light in the dark world around me and a testimony for you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
It has been one week from today that the historic record setting deadliest outbreak of tornado's in one day, 226 I heard at last count,having an F5 pass just miles from where I live, ravaged this area and the northern part of Alabama. I do not think I was ever really scared. I was concerned especially as I drove home to take shelter and prayed a tree would not fall on my car as I waited in traffic that was not moving in a wooded area. I think we feel we are never going to be hit or will escape danger. But about 250 souls lost their lives to these monster twisters and possibly the death toll could rise. These killed people of all ages, all races and all economic backgrounds. Children, husbands, wives, grandparents, babies and even the family pet. No one was spared. Miracles occurred too. Houses collapsed on top of people and they crawled out of the rubble alive and well. The residents of other homes took shelter in bathtubs and closets which were covered with debris yet the occupants got out alive. A paper cross remained taped to a family room window where F5 winds had blown through. There was lots of sadness too when a family of five was killed in one community sparing two of the children and another family of four in another community.
Why do things like this happen? Why do some die and others live? There is not a good answer but God can turn bad things into good. He always does. People will be stronger. Families will rebuild and other families will process their grief and move on in life. Deaths are the hardest to deal with and will take the longest to recover from and you may never recover. But we have to move on in life no matter what happens.
Psalm 125:1 says "Those who trust in the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstances." How about you? Is your faith and trust solidly in the Lord Jesus Christ? If not ask him to be Lord of your life and take control today.
PRAYER: Thanks Jesus for another day of life. Thanks for the sunshine and thanks for the rain. Thanks for situations in my life that help make me stronger. Forgive me for ever blaming you for any bad thing. I praise your name Lord. Help me be a light in the dark world around me and a testimony for you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Monday, May 2, 2011
JUST DON'T SIT THERE. GO DO SOMETHING!!
Day six after the April Fury of killer tornado's that swept through Alabama Wednesday, 27 April 11 and this tragedy has given me lots to write about to hopefully inspire others. Many of us become complacent when it comes to storm warnings perhaps. Especially if you are not affected by it then you see pictures but have no clue what it is like. Thankfully I did not receive the maximum winds at my home but I see the aftermath.
So let's say you were not in this storm do you get involved? If you live in the area there are many needs. Sometimes we who call ourselves 'Christians' are quick to not get involved if it does not concern us. Oh we can go to our little 'holy huddles' and get 'fed' spiritually but what about going out into the highways and byways and help our fellow man? It is great to hear a good message on Sunday but what about doing something after you are taught? Once we hear a message we should go forth and minister to others.
Here in Alabama and southern Tennessee there is no excuse for not being able to find and meet a need at the current time. Do you sit in your 'Sunday go to meeting clothes' so to speak but then go home and only think of yourself and your own life? What good is that? If you are physically able and do not have to go to work, go where there is a need and roll your sleeves up and be 'Jesus hands and feet'.
You do not need to know someone to help them . Some people may think, 'well no one in my family or church is involved so I have no need to go'. We should have a love for all of our fellow man whether they are our relatives or not. The Bible says for us to go unto all the world. Be Jesus witnesses and his ambassadors. Do not be afraid of different people groups you are not comfortable with. Be like Jesus and do his work.
Matthew 25:38-40 says "And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them,'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." James 2:16 says "If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" So in other words we need to act and not just talk. Luke 18:11 speaks to those who are 'religious' but that is about it. It says "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector!"
Today we can lift up prayers for those who are hurting due to loss of lives or property and give thanks to God for the things we have and protection from tragedy. We never know when something like this will happen to us. Be willing to reach out and show God's love to a hurting world. But if nothing else pray.
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for the opportunities we have to show your love to those in need. Help us be open to what you put in our path and give us the ability to meet the needs of those who need comfort. In Jesus Name, Amen.
So let's say you were not in this storm do you get involved? If you live in the area there are many needs. Sometimes we who call ourselves 'Christians' are quick to not get involved if it does not concern us. Oh we can go to our little 'holy huddles' and get 'fed' spiritually but what about going out into the highways and byways and help our fellow man? It is great to hear a good message on Sunday but what about doing something after you are taught? Once we hear a message we should go forth and minister to others.
Here in Alabama and southern Tennessee there is no excuse for not being able to find and meet a need at the current time. Do you sit in your 'Sunday go to meeting clothes' so to speak but then go home and only think of yourself and your own life? What good is that? If you are physically able and do not have to go to work, go where there is a need and roll your sleeves up and be 'Jesus hands and feet'.
You do not need to know someone to help them . Some people may think, 'well no one in my family or church is involved so I have no need to go'. We should have a love for all of our fellow man whether they are our relatives or not. The Bible says for us to go unto all the world. Be Jesus witnesses and his ambassadors. Do not be afraid of different people groups you are not comfortable with. Be like Jesus and do his work.
Matthew 25:38-40 says "And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them,'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." James 2:16 says "If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" So in other words we need to act and not just talk. Luke 18:11 speaks to those who are 'religious' but that is about it. It says "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector!"
Today we can lift up prayers for those who are hurting due to loss of lives or property and give thanks to God for the things we have and protection from tragedy. We never know when something like this will happen to us. Be willing to reach out and show God's love to a hurting world. But if nothing else pray.
PRAYER: Thanks Lord for the opportunities we have to show your love to those in need. Help us be open to what you put in our path and give us the ability to meet the needs of those who need comfort. In Jesus Name, Amen.
FIRM FOUNDATION
Is your life built on a firm foundation or a shaky one? These past four days devotions to help people dealing with the aftermath of a destructive killer tornado and today's deals with the shaky foundation we can find ourselves on if we do not follow Jesus.
This was not an earthquake we just experienced here in southeast that would in fact 'shake' the ground beneath our feet but it was unsettling never the less.
Are you on a firm foundation with the Lord? When things crumble around you can you stand strong and know that God is your refuge and your firm foundation and all other ground is sinking sand?
Isaiah 26:1-6 says "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:"We have a strong city;he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city.He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust.The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor the steps of the needy."
We saw in this tornado that both the well to do and not so fortunate financially were affected. Those twisters did not zero in on one certain economic group. But one thing I heard over and over from people who lost their homes was how nothing else matters and they could rebuild. They were thankful to have their families and their life. One lady yesterday I spoke with was a pastors wife who had lost her home. She gave God the glory for sparing them as her house was in total shambles.
Luke 6:46-48 says " "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built."
So where do you stand?In times like what we have gone through in the Southeast you see what is really important.
PRAYER: Lord I trust you for everything I need. I thank you daily for providing for my needs. Even though times may be tough I know you are there and things will not be bad forever. Thank Lord for family and friends and for life! In Jesus Name.Amen.
Reply Forward
This was not an earthquake we just experienced here in southeast that would in fact 'shake' the ground beneath our feet but it was unsettling never the less.
Are you on a firm foundation with the Lord? When things crumble around you can you stand strong and know that God is your refuge and your firm foundation and all other ground is sinking sand?
Isaiah 26:1-6 says "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:"We have a strong city;he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. For he has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city.He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust.The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor the steps of the needy."
We saw in this tornado that both the well to do and not so fortunate financially were affected. Those twisters did not zero in on one certain economic group. But one thing I heard over and over from people who lost their homes was how nothing else matters and they could rebuild. They were thankful to have their families and their life. One lady yesterday I spoke with was a pastors wife who had lost her home. She gave God the glory for sparing them as her house was in total shambles.
Luke 6:46-48 says " "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built."
So where do you stand?In times like what we have gone through in the Southeast you see what is really important.
PRAYER: Lord I trust you for everything I need. I thank you daily for providing for my needs. Even though times may be tough I know you are there and things will not be bad forever. Thank Lord for family and friends and for life! In Jesus Name.Amen.
Reply Forward
Sunday, May 1, 2011
RICHES ARE NOT EVERYTHING
This is day four of devotions related to the disaster in Alabama. In helping volunteer yesterday I was in a very high end subdivision and a good deal of them lost everything. The main thing each of the residents said that I spoke with was that thank goodness they had their family and their life and they could rebuild.Many gave praise to God for sparing their life. Now these people had a lot of stuff and nice stuff. The whole thing was no doubt very overwhelming for them.Their possessions lay in a heap of torn, wet rubble and only a few things salvageable. I have not gone through anything like this but we sure do like our 'stuff ' and wonder sometimes if you were in a tragedy what would you grab and take with you. The thing is you grab your family and leave your things behind! No one I ran into today was really angry. Most made jokes about having a sun roof in their home or that they would just like to find their driver's license when in fact their cars were smashed underneath their home. Oh sure, I saw shock, stunned faces and some sadness. How can people not be grieving at a time like this? Any loss produces immense grief.
1 Timothy 6:8 says " if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." We are blessed with an abundance of things in the United States, sometimes way too many things that we could probably do without. And when a fire, flood, tornado or other natural disasters occur it is sad to lose possessions, particularly photographs, but the sadder thing would be the loss of life. The Bible tells us to not trust in riches. Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." These 'riches' of the people I was helping literally 'flew off' into the wind and maybe landed torn up miles away. This is not to say we should not have nice things if we want. But we should be careful to not let our things consume us and become idols in our life. One older widow I spoke with said she saw now she did not need the bigger home and all the things she thought she had to have and planned to downsize when it was time to rebuild. She was just thankful to be alive.
PRAYER: Dear Lord we do not know why disasters happen. Many people have lost lives and many others lost their home or their work since power is still not on in Huntsville where most of these people work. Father we just say thanks for life you have given us. Thank you for a warm bed to sleep in, for a house or apartment or a trailer to live in and thank you for friends, family and strangers who are there for us in a time of need. We pray for those deeply affected by this tremendous tragedy and ask that you comfort them and give them peace as only you can. In Jesus Name. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:8 says " if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." We are blessed with an abundance of things in the United States, sometimes way too many things that we could probably do without. And when a fire, flood, tornado or other natural disasters occur it is sad to lose possessions, particularly photographs, but the sadder thing would be the loss of life. The Bible tells us to not trust in riches. Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." These 'riches' of the people I was helping literally 'flew off' into the wind and maybe landed torn up miles away. This is not to say we should not have nice things if we want. But we should be careful to not let our things consume us and become idols in our life. One older widow I spoke with said she saw now she did not need the bigger home and all the things she thought she had to have and planned to downsize when it was time to rebuild. She was just thankful to be alive.
PRAYER: Dear Lord we do not know why disasters happen. Many people have lost lives and many others lost their home or their work since power is still not on in Huntsville where most of these people work. Father we just say thanks for life you have given us. Thank you for a warm bed to sleep in, for a house or apartment or a trailer to live in and thank you for friends, family and strangers who are there for us in a time of need. We pray for those deeply affected by this tremendous tragedy and ask that you comfort them and give them peace as only you can. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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