GOD, GUSTAV, AND GOOD NEIGHBORS

GOD, GUSTAV, AND GOOD NEIGHBORS

With Gustaf hitting our area pretty hard, it has certainly been an eventful week. While many people are having their power restored, others in our area may still be waiting for some time. It’s safe to say that it will be awhile before all of us get back to normal. Let’s pray real hard that “Ike” fizzles out in the Gulf somewhere. Although we did not have electricity at the church this past Sunday, we did manage to have “Power!” during our one joint worship service held at 9:00 a.m. What a wonderful sweet spirit we experienced as we praised God, prayed, and shared testimonies of God’s goodness and His faithfulness. We attempted to get the word out concerning our revised schedule; however, many of our folks did not get the word. As you know, communication was almost non-existent at times this past week. Nevertheless, I still feel bad for the fact that not everyone got word. I apologize if you were one of the people who showed up for our regular service times. In the event of future disasters that occur, we will have a standing rule that we will meet for one worship service at 9:00 a.m. as we did last Sunday. Provided “Ike” doesn’t come our way, this week we will have our regularly scheduled services and activities.

Gustaf has reminded all of us of some important lessons, one being the importance of loving your neighbor. Paul said that “love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:10). This past week, my family has experienced your love first hand in very practical ways. You called, visited, helped put tarp up in the rain, brought food and supplies (e.g., generator, gas, fans, etc.), washed clothes, and encouraged us in a dozen other ways. You made this entire experience bearable for us and I am truly grateful for your concern.

Another lesson that I have been reminded of is that all of the earthly stuff that we think is important, is really not. What’s really important is loving the Lord and serving others. What’s important is your family and your friends. When we love and serve the Lord through our families and neighbors, we are laying up treasure in heaven where moth nor rust nor hurricanes can destroy (Matt. 6:20). When we have the right perspective on our earthly stuff, we also will not worry nearly as much. Because we belong to the Lord, He is going to meet our needs and take care of us. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

Another lesson that I have been reminded of is that we are to praise God even in the storms of life. When Satan came before the Lord he challenged Job’s resolve to praise God when things were not going well. He accused Job before the Lord by saying, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9). But notice how Job responded to the multiple disasters that he endured. “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.’” (Job 1:20-21). No mater what the circumstance, Job determined that he was going to bless the Lord.

We are to bless God in the good and in the bad. Why? Because He will be faithful. So let’s keep praising Him in every circumstance. Let’s keep loving Him by loving our neighbors. Let’s keep sharing the hope that we have in Jesus Christ to a world that so desperately needs Him.

Praising God in the storms!

Pastor Joe
“Phil. 1:3”