“For thou hast been…a refuge from the storm…” (Isaiah 25:4)
Where do you look for information on Hurricane Helene? The National Weather Service? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)? Network news? Some look in those places, but I recommend something else. Look to a prophet. The prophet Isaiah gives us truth as current as tomorrow’s headlines.
Many are waiting for a kind, loving word.
Help somebody today!
Thou hast a message, O let it be heard--
Help somebody today!
Many have burdens too heavy to bear,
Help somebody today!
Grief is the portion of some everywhere,
Help somebody today!
Carrie E. Breck
Despite his double-mindedness, Solomon ruled Israel well at times. How could he have avoided the disobedience that sometimes spoiled his kingship? Perhaps the truths of Colossians 3:16 would have reached Solomon and turned his heart toward God. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
God seeks sinners to show us kindness. What does that look like? Everyone who has been saved by the grace of God could testify of God’s kindness. Those found in the pages of scripture testify of it, and their testimonies are preserved forever for the glory of God and the benefit of others. Mephibosheth is such a person.
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”
As I sit here watching the closing event of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the Women's Marathon, my thoughts drifted back to the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. The Olympic runner that stands out in my mind did not win a medal, nor did he really have a chance to win, but his marathon run was historic and inspiring to all who watched unknown Tanzanian Marathoner, John Stephen Akhwari finish his race.
In 1947, American artist, Martyl Langsdorf created the iconic Doomsday Clock image for the cover of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. The image was intended to signal how close humanity was to self-destruction.
Acts stops its record of the early church, but leaves a pattern for us to follow: give the gospel to those nearby; stay awhile or arrange for others to stay awhile to confirm them; move on to others who need Christ; repeat the process wherever you go.
Who is it that calls when we are ill;
With cheerful word and right good will;
And lingers gently then to pray
And soothe our care and fear away?
Our Pastor!
Neither a rabbit’s foot nor a religious ritual can accomplish forgiveness. I John 1:9 is not a formula or magic wand to ward off sins. Only God can forgive sins.
