With all the talk about Hurricane Irene, you don't know whether you will be disappointed if it is a bust, or relieved if it is only a disaster. Seems politics are a big part of the weather anymore, and with no one willing to be part of the Katrina episode, anything from ball games, to flights, to weddings, to the opening of the MLK Memorial are being cancelled, rescheduled, or relocated. Not a bad thing to think safety first, but of course the other side is the fiscal impact it will have on these areas. Which will keep some there too long, and others leaving too early. And no matter what party you support, the Republicans and George Bush will be blamed-all the way in Texas. For it seems that emergencies bring out the best and worst in people. For all rush to do blame someone else, or seek what is right in their own minds, but few turn to God.
After being in Joplin the week after the huge tornado, we saw every side of human emotion. But out of the remnants of the town-think of wood, hay, and stubble-the spirit of those still alive was positive. For instead of rushing to FEMA and having to work through any politicians or political processes, they reached out to the church, and they didn't have to reach very far. Countless local churches, many churches from over a 1000 mile radius, and large organizations such as Operation Blessing and Samaritan's Purse were there to provide man power, assist volunteers, provide water and supplies, and to counsel those who suffered in the disaster. People reaching to out to God, not in a religious sense, but because He is always there in time of need, and available. HELP is a prayer that everyone understands, and that God quickly responds to. Let God handle things, without your hello or counsel, and watch as they get handled correctly-maybe the purest argument for separation of state from church, not the other way around.
Storms are nothing new, and a man named Noah once was told by God to build an ark. It would rain, and be ready. With a catch, it had never rained before! So for 120 years, Noah was still a young man in his 400's at the time, he built the ark as God told him. But with criticism, and constantly being made fun of. You could only imagine what the heathen press would do to him today. Endless Tonight Show jokes, even TV series abut stupid, old Noah, and his foolish, old God. You would think that after 120 years the Noah jokes would get old. But God was patient, maybe that's is why it took 120 years to build the ark-God wanted no one to miss out on its mission, which was to save mankind. But to the very end, man ridiculed Noah, and God, even more when God called the animals into the ark. They probably cheered this old fool when he sealed up the ark, laughing in the sun while doing so. The ark sealed tight, so that no rain or anyone else could get into the ark. And no one could get out. And up until the first raindrop, had a great time at Noah's expense. But then the rains came, and those who doubted pounded on the ark-"let us in! Now we believe!" But it was too late, for the time had passed, and only Noah and his family were safe, and would start a new world after the flood. All the king's horses, and all the king's men...so much for man's rebelliousness to God. God warned them, and sadly, felt no joy for even one of them in death. If only they had listened...For God so loved the world, He sent Jesus...the same love He sent to Noah, the same love at the cross, and the same love He offers today.
God has sent an awesome warning out via weather. He controls everything, but your will. And He wants you to turn to Him freely, not because you have to, but because you want to. His love is not mercenary, where He gives you good things so you will serve Him, it is called grace which He wants to shower you with-pun intended. He is God, certainly that should be enough?
People will still talk about Katrina, Andrew, and Irene. But long after the skies have cleared, Jesus will still be the only way of salvation. Don't get caught outside of the ark of God's love. He is patient that none should perish, but time is getting short. And no one knows what tomorrow brings. The pounding Noah heard inside the ark from people dying to get in must have broken his heart, I know it did God's. Make the choice to get into the ark today while there is still time. No excuses, there is plenty of room. And plenty of love and forgiveness waiting-come just as you are. That knocking you hear now is Jesus knocking on your heart-it is your decision where you will be in the storm. Sealed in or sealed out! The evacuation route from sin is as close as calling out to God right now!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com