God showed up....

The kind of senseless violence that occurred in an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut is heartbreaking and troubling to us, and to so many. Our hearts are torn to hear of children dying and the pain the parents and loved ones will endure over such an evil act. There is no understanding such a thing outside of the bible's clear message of the evil of human nature. The bible states that man is by nature sinful, and we have seen the evidence in the massacre of the children and teachers who perished at the hands of a man that made evil visible.

Some ask: where was God? In a society that has systematically asked Him to leave, such a question should not be necessary. We have long asked Him to vacate the public square, kicking Him out of schools, mocking Him in our education, movies, literature, politics, late night monologues, and music. We have cities that have forbidden manger 

scenes in the public square, school districts that have renamed traditional holidays like Christmas and Easter winter break and spring break, have renamed Christmas trees holiday trees and have companies that instruct employees not to say Merry Christmas, and yet we wonder where God was? In a culture that rejects God it is no wonder when people live as if He does not exist. 

God showed up. He was there guiding the teachers to protect the children, there with the brave police officers who came to the children’s rescue not knowing if there were many gunmen, there in the emergency personnel rushed to the scene to care for any wounded, and is revealing His presence in the prayer meetings being held in the city’s churches and the sorrow and prayer that is being lifted up throughout our country these last few days.

May the Lord somehow use His children as His vessels to bring comfort to the broken families, and may we be moved to encourage people who do not know Him to turn to Him, in these last days.

Forever teachable

Father God, open our eyes so we can see those that you send our way to be our teachers, remove from our minds those preconceived ideas that would blind us to the lessons you would have us learn. Remove from our hearts any prejudice that would place barriers between us and the blessings you wish to pour out through our brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep us forever teachable through your gentle conviction and encouragement.

Are You in A Battle Today?

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Ex 14:13-14) How I have to learn and re-learn such a basic lesson. The Lord will fight for you. May we trust Him in all our battles, today!