Psalm 61:1 Hear my cry O God ... Paris

The news today just keeps getting worse and worse...friends and family were in Paris over the summer so this really hits home.  Praying for those there in this gateway to Europe...

Life Can Change So Quickly / Hurricane Updates

UPDATE 8.28.12:  Hurricane Isaac has passed us by but woe to the people who live in New Orleans and parts of Alabama, particularly.

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9.2.10:  Life can change so quickly, particularly here in the south where there are hurricanes.  I was talking with some friends last night and wishing that we could go back to the days when hurricane warnings were not even thought twice about.  I have lived in Florida since 1970 and never even listened to the news when something was mentioned about hurricanes.   In 2004 that all changed when Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan came directly into our area. 

Our electricity (do you have any idea how MANY things run on electricity?)  was out for 8 days with Charley, 3 days with Frances and 1 day with Ivan in 2004.  We got a taste of what it must be like to live in a Third World country so it was good for that reason.   It also gave me more empathy for people when hurricanes, tornadoes,  earthquakes or tsunamies strike. I won't go into much detail about that time other than to say that it was pretty miserable with quite a bit of property damage and expense for us.

Needless to say, I was a little nervous when I saw news about these hurricanes brewing in the Atlantic Ocean yesterday.

I am greatly relieved that the charts indicate they will most likely go around us probably leaving us fairly wet this weekend.  There is a 4th storm called #10 brewing near Africa which could cause some problems.

Always something to pray for but trusting that God has our good in mind for whatever happens...

Rom. 8:28  

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good 

to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

1Pet. 5:6-7  

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, 

that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him,

 because He cares for you. 

FAITH: When You _______, I Will Be With You

Isaiah 43:1-4

...“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are Mine!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.

For I am the LORD your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Since you are precious in My sight,

Since you are honored and I love you...

Some days the events on the news are just unbelievable. One that is occurring on Friday, September 25, is the Muslim Prayer Gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. I'm not really opposed to them gathering, but the fact that President Obama endorsed Muslims to gather and pray during the Islamic fasting time of Ramadan AND NOT ENDORSING any prayer gatherings for the National Day of Prayer which was in May certainly shows his preferences.

The times in our beloved nation are getting darker in segments by the day it seems, especially in the Christian and economic realms. The verse above is comforting when we go through hard times, persecution and/or suffering. In many ways, we certainly deserve them.

FAITH: Praying for Others

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Our church has a directory of its members and regular attendees as most churches do. This summer one was published dividing the total number of families into 7 groups (about a dozen per group), one for each day of the week in order to help in praying for one another more regularly. My husband is an elder so he has been doing this for awhile but I just began when the lists were made available to everyone. I generally read my Bible in the mornings and choose a scripture passage to pray for the people in the group for that day. This week, for variety, I decided I would email each group each day and tell them what I had prayed for them. Here is what I prayed for each on Tuesday. I was amazed at the number of responses I received back. I even got a phone call from a young man in another state who said it was exactly what he needed on that day and asked if I knew what had been going on in his life. We cannot underestimate the power of prayer and its impact on people, particularly when we pray scripture (His written Word and will) back to the Lord. Just knowing that someone is praying for me is such an encouragement and something we all need every day. If you prayed something specific for someone today, tell them so. It will strengthen their faith and bless you as well.