Debris, Destruction and Devastation

Posted on May 21, 2013 by admin

As I watched the news unfold yesterday afternoon, my heart broke. With each passing image my stomach began to churn. What is being called one of the biggest and deadliest tornados in the history of the world struck the Moore Oklahoma community yesterday afternoon leaving behind a path of debris, destruction and devastation.

While many of us were heading home to hug and play with our loved ones, many families in Moore Oklahoma were searching for their loved ones in hopes that everyone was okay. For some, last night was an emotional reunion after a day of intense uncertainty, while for others it was the beginning of an unending nightmare.

As of the writing of this article, at least 51 have been confirmed dead and several others are still unaccounted for. Like all of you, I am thrilled to hear the many tales of survival this morning, but sadden to know many parents and family members still don’t know if their loved ones survived or not. It’s sickening to think about.

Which brings me to the question, “What can we do? Living several thousand miles away, how can we best assist those affected?” I know this is a question many people are asking. For most of us we don’t have the time, means or capabilities of physically traveling to Oklahoma to volunteer our services. If you are able to go, that is wonderful. Go and help as much and as long as you can. However, for those of us who can’t just pick up and go, what can we do? Consider a few possible ways we can be of assistance.

1) Give Monetarily. There are several organizations collecting funds to help those affected by the devastation. If you can donate $10, $20, $50 or $100, donate it. If you can only donate $5, donate $5. However much you have to donate, give it. Every little bit helps. Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Let’s help the people who have been affected bear this great burden.

2) Give Physically. I have heard of several disaster relief agencies preparing to travel to Oklahoma a.s.a.p. Pick one and find out what they are in need of and then give it. Water, canned food, clothes, etc. whatever they will accept, give to the cause. John wrote, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (I Jn. 3:17-18). Let’s shower the people of Oklahoma with the love of God.

3) Give Spiritually. First and foremost, as should always be the case, spend time in prayer. Ask God to comfort and bless this community and all those families who have been affected by this tragedy. The Bible teaches we have a responsibility to pray for others (Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:18). Even when we are confused and not quite sure what to pray, just start praying. The Spirit will intercede for us (Rom. 8:26-27). Let us pray, pray and pray some more.

Friends, as the heartbreaking news continues to break and the number of those who lost their lives continues to go up, let’s remember to find a way to do what we can to help alleviate the debris, destruction and the devastation that has taken place.

May our thoughts and prayers go out, not only today but for the days ahead, to all the people whose lives have been altered by this devastating tornado.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

QUESTION: What else can we do to help the people of Oklahoma? Leave your comments below.

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Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!

Posted on May 20, 2013 by admin

confession_t_ntGrowing up I remember my buddies and I having this phrase we would say in response to an ugly, mean or even arrogant statement. When one of us would say something one of us deemed wrong, someone would reply, “Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!” This phrase was used to help the offender think about his statement and hopefully not say the same thing again.

I know, you’re thinking that’s a silly thing for guys to say. Well, you’re probably right, but we said it anyway. Here’s my point in all of this. Although the phrase, “Watch Yo Mouth, Boy!” is goofy and something most adults would never say to one another, it is an important expression we could benefit from if we considered it in our daily lives.

The wise man said, “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Prov. 29:20). How many times a day do you say something in haste only to regret what you said moments, days or even weeks later? Perhaps it’s something you said to your spouse, your kids, your parents, your employer, your teachers, your friends or your coworkers. I know from personal experience that the words I spoke in haste, more often than not, were things I wished I could take back immediately.

Admit it. This is one area of our lives that could use some improvement, isn’t it? Possibly you’ve already said something in haste today you wish you could have taken back.

Notice what Solomon said in the verse mentioned above. He said there is more hope for a fool than for a man who is hasty in his words. A fool has more hope than a person who is quick to speak. As crazy as this may sound, it’s true. When we speak hastily we say things that are hurtful, mean, ugly and harmful. James said, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jam. 1:19).

As you deal with people who frustrate, irritate and even hurt you with their words and actions, be sure you “Watch yo mouth!” Let’s all be mindful not to be too hasty with our words. Otherwise, a fool will have more hope than we will.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

QUESTION: What are some things you do to help you control your tongue? Share in the comments section below.

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Take A Risk

Posted on May 8, 2013 by admin

falling for god_cb copyIt’s being called the best “Final Jeopardy” answer of all time and it was given by a teenager, Leonard Cooper during the Jeopardy Teen Tournament a few weeks ago. When given the answer, “On June 6, 1944 he said, ‘The eyes of the world are upon you,’” Leonard Cooper risked $0 and responded, “Who is some guy in Normandy, but I just won $75,000!” What may very well go down as the greatest “Final Jeopardy” answer in history, will certainly overshadow the events that unfolded moments before.

Trailing in overall money total, Leonard hit a daily double. Much to the shock of Alex Trebek, when asked how much he was willing to risk, Leonard responded, “$18,000.” If Leonard missed this question, he would have lost all his earnings and not been eligible for the $75,000 grand prize. Fortunately, for Leonard, he answered the question correctly and put himself in a position to take home the grand prize.

As I watched Leonard risk everything, I sat in shock. “How could he risk all his money? What if he misses the question? This kid is not smart.” However, the more I thought about his bold move, the more I began to realize how much we can learn from young Leonard. You see, this teenager was willing to risk everything because he knew the reward outweighed the risk. If he missed the question, big deal, he’s at no personal loss. If he answered correctly, he put himself in a position to reap a large reward.

As Christians, we should be a lot like Leonard in that we are willing to take risks. After all, aren’t the rewards worth the risk? This week, why not be bold and take a risk you wouldn’t normally take for Jesus. It just might prove to be well worth the risk when it comes to eternity.

Jesus said, “If anyone wished to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25).

QUESTION:What risks can you take this week for Jesus that might prove worth it in eternity?

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It Is Finished…

Posted on April 24, 2013 by admin

it is finished_t
When people find themselves nearing the end of their lives, they sometimes say things that are deemed important and remembered for years to come. Sometimes the things remembered are of great importance, while other times they are more sad or even funny.

I find the last sayings of people to be interesting because they can give us insight into what the person was like. For example, Charles Darwin is quoted as having said, “I am not the least afraid to die” (April 19, 1882). Former President of the United States, James K. Polk said, “I love you Sarah. For all eternity, I love you” (spoken to his wife in 1849).

Perhaps some of the most remembered last words come from Jesus, although they aren’t really His last words since He rose from the dead and talked with others again. While Jesus was hanging on the cross He cried for all to hear, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30). At first these words seem sad, they sound like words of defeat. It appeared the enemies of Jesus had won. Jesus was hanging on a cross with no means of coming down. His enemies were standing around the cross mocking Him. By all accounts it seemed His cry of “It is finished” was out of defeat.

But praise be to God this was not the case. When Jesus cried out, “It is finished” it was NOT a cry of defeat, but a SHOUT of victory. The words “It is finished” mean, “It stands finished,” “It will always be finished.” These words specify not the end of Jesus’s life, but the completion of His task. Jesus shouted in victory because His mission on earth was done. Consider what these words mean for us today.

1) We no longer live under the Old Law (Col. 2:14).
2) We no longer have to remain separated from God (Rom. 5:8-10).
3) We no longer have to live in fear of death (I Cor. 15:55-57).
4) We no longer have to wonder about our eternal destiny (Jn. 3:16).

When Jesus cried out “It is finished” He was crying out in triumph not defeat. He was the victor. And thanks to Jesus dying on the cross and completing His mission, you and I can overcome our enemy and gain the victory. Praise the Lord, “It is finished.”

Posted in Jesus, Sayings | 1 Comment

A Needed Habit

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

Habits Series

Click to read part 1 and part 2 of the habits series.

If you were to describe your life in one word right now, what word would you use? Hectic? Fast? Busy? Crazy? Uncontrollable? These words, or words very similar, would probably be the most likely words we would use when describing our lives. But what if when asked, we could respond, “My life is simple.” Can you imagine how nice it would be to live a simple life?

We live in a society that values things. People think to be the best you must have the most, be the highest paid, get all the awards and be the most popular. Yet, what does that do for you in the long run? Nothing! The only thing it produces is stress and busyness. Consider how much of our time is spent on doing things to impress others or to serve our own desires. Doesn’t this complicate our lives much more? Doesn’t this cause our lives to be everything but simple?

The key to having a simple life is not getting caught up in having the best of everything and working ourselves to death in order to gain more. Jesus made it clear the path to heaven was far more difficult for the rich than the poor (Mark 10:17-25). Why is this? Because having “things” can cloud our judgment to the point we have a greater love for possessions than eternal life. When we have a greater love for possessions than eternal life, we’re willing to do anything to obtain more, even live lives that are crazy, hectic and totally out of control.

It’s important for us to incorporate the needed habit of simplicity into our lives. By doing this we will keep things in perspective because we’re not so caught up in the next “big thing” and more caught up in Jesus.

Think about it this way: when our lives on this earth pass, will those “things” get us anywhere? Certainly not! So why not stop trying to keep up with everyone else, and just allow yourself to live a simple life. After all, Jesus never meant for your life to be so crazy. He simply wants us to follow Him (Matt. 4:20, 22).

QUESTION: How can people make their lives less hectic and more simple? What are the benefits of living a simple life?

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