Several days before hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast, weather experts watched and calculated in horror the size and severity of the monster storm. Only two weeks prior, hurricane Helene had taken its toll in almost the exact same location, exacerbating the potential flying debris from the rapidly gaining winds of Milton. Many residents heeded the pleas to evacuate, but some people decided to ride it out.

A young woman who remained in her house later recounted the experience she had, when the water around her home began to rise. Her friend lived only four blocks away, and she thought she could make it. As she ventured toward her friend’s house, the water around her knees rose suddenly to her waist. Before she could turn around and go back home, the water covered her chest and swirled, encircling her body causing her to lose balance. Fearing at this point that she could no longer stay above the water and losing all control of the situation, the woman cried out. “HELP! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!” Within seconds, a man dashed from his home nearby and wading through the deep water he grabbed the woman and pulled her to safety, saying “Get in the house!”

The Bible warns of a “monster storm” coming our way that is like no other storm this world has experienced, not even as in the days of Noah. Just as people need not be meteorologist experts to heed the warnings about catastrophic weather conditions, one need not be a Bible scholar to pay attention to God’s warning of “The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age” (Matt. 24). Like the young woman who chose to ride out the storm and was rescued by her neighbor, Jesus wants to rescue all who are willing to cry out for help; He is willing; the question is are you?

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be…Therefore you also be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:37 & 44, NKJV.

Imagine you awaken one morning and discover you have no internet, no phone service, no water or food, in fact, you suddenly realize that these things that are missing are the least of your worries. Your home is destroyed; neighborhoods are decimated; you are alone in surroundings unrecognizable. This is the reality for the people who managed to survive Hurricane Helene just days ago.

Getting caught up in the day-to-day issues of politics, work, and family seems so normal to most of us. Yes, we read and hear about various wars taking place around the world, but when we lay our heads down at night, few, if any of us worry we may not live to see the morning. Lately, with the unrest in Europe and the Middle East, when I turn the light off at bedtime, I am keenly aware of something for which I have otherwise taken for granted most of my life—quiet! No bombs exploding, no running to a shelter, no wondering if I will endure another day. And yet, many souls around the world ask themselves these very questions and wonder about survival, theirs and the people they love.

Friend, we have a God who hears every cry for help, even when no one else hears. You and I will never know when or how the Lord met the cries of those who perish from this earth, either by natural disaster, or war, or sickness, but I do trust the One Who promises, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

When the lights go out and the future looks uncertain, I pray you can face any circumstance with courage, and the knowledge that the Creator of the light, the One who is “the Light,” Jesus Christ will rescue you either from your circumstances, or through them.

Father, God of all creation, be with those around the world, especially citizens, friends, and family right here at home who are suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Help the search and rescue teams find the missing and injured. Jesus, You are the Author of hope! Give courage to the victims and strength to the faint-hearted. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

“O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry,” Psalm 88:1-2, NKJV.

On just about any given day, news channels and social media show images of people making demands of some sort. Often, demands are made toward government, or by the government especially in an election year. And then, there are the annoying self-serving demands of “canceling” someone over a perceived insult. In fact, “demands” are heard and seen in every arena of life, and this is nothing new. All we need to do is reflect on the demeanor of people since the beginning of time. In the Book of Exodus when God told Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt into the land God was giving them, the Israelites complained about God’s provision of manna, lamenting they were better off in slavery and demanded “meat” (Numbers 11).

So, what is the difference between the two terms, demand, often coming from people and command as seen throughout the Bible commonly by God? The question and answer may seem trivial but seems worth exploring. According to the dictionary, demand is “an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right.” And command is defined as “an authoritative order.” How fitting that when God makes a command, He speaks with authority; when humans demand, we speak from a sense of entitlement.

God is so very gracious when dealing with His creation. From the Garden of Eden when humankind failed to acknowledge God’s authority and sinned by demanding the right to do things his own way, yet God has made every effort to forgive us, provide for us, and to bless us. He never gives up on us. In 1 John 5:14, Jesus’ disciple writes, “Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (NKJV). My prayer is that when we approach the throne of God, that we come with humility and a tender heart, knowing that it is by the blood of Jesus we have been granted an audience before the King of Kings.

For deeper blessing and understanding, please read 1 John 5.

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die’” Genesis 2:16-17, NKJV, emphasis mine.

When I was growing up, a popular phrase went something like this: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me.” Most children and adults alike understand the meaning behind this childish saying, and that what is not said aloud is the true meaning, which is I don’t care what you think or say about me! Of course, we have all probably been on the receiving end of someone’s hurtful words, and though no bones were broken in the process, hearts were broken and spirits crushed.

For those of us who follow Jesus Christ, we should try hard to watch what we say and uplift those around us rather than tear them down with our very powerful words; however, this requires self-governing, not government governing. But I digress…

As with many catch words, or phrases, “hate speech” seems to echo throughout the modern culture. A recent newsletter article heading reads: “We Protect Kids, So Now We’re a Hate Group” (The Clarion Caller, 2024). Without getting into the gist of the article, please consider what the Bible tells us about God. Proverbs 6 acknowledges that, “God hates…” What does He hate? “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, [and] a person who sows discord in a family.” Would that the human standard for “hate speech” were set so high.

Friend, let us seek to look above our delicate carnal human nature to learn how to hate what God hates. As we read and perhaps re-read the list in Proverbs 6, about what God hates, may it guide you and me toward biblical truth, rather than being influenced by a culture that has highjacked God’s “Dictionary.”

For deeper understanding, please read, John 3.

Cushman, Candi. The Clarion Caller. Patrick Henry Advisory Council Newsletter. The Family Foundation, Volume 5, Issue 2, 2024.

“There are six things the Lord hates, no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family” (Proverbs 6:16-19, NLT).

Social media sites have created a phenomenon around the world. Depending on one’s platform and content, overnight stardom is possible. However, stardom comes with a stark warning: Be careful what you say! Lives have been ruined as quickly as popularity grows. Putting oneself onto the stage of popularity is like intentionally asking to stand before a jury of one’s peers for judgement in the court of public opinion. Facts rarely matter in this court; judgement is quick, subjective, and final. Children creating content on the internet is giving them access to one of the most dangerous places in the world and giving that same world access to them. Even in our homes with doors locked and the alarm set, online predators have no barriers.

The younger generation and some not so young spend hours every day working solely on becoming “influencers.” Lucrative income is possible. Subscribe and click the ‘Like’ button below. Instantly, hundreds, sometimes millions of eyes are watching everything you write, and the “jurors” are deliberating.

Someone else knows you and me Who transcends time, space, technology, and cultures; His name is Yahweh, God. The psalmist wrote thousands of years ago, before humans developed internet technology, that before you were born, God knew you. Before you “were made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth…” (vs. 15). God knew you. You, my friend, are an “Influencer” of the highest order. Unlike the world, God loves you and desires only His best for your life. He sees not only what you write, God knows what you think. He wants you to succeed, not in worldly popularity, rather in becoming who He created you to be.

When the sun, stars, and moon no longer exist; when the internet shuts down after the final curtain call, only One will remain Who matters. Jesus Christ will be “high and lifted up” for all to see: The Ultimate Influencer.

For deeper understanding and blessing, please read Psalm 139.

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways” (Psalm 139:1-3. NKJV).

Martha and her sister, Mary, along with their brother, Lazarus were like family to Jesus. Throughout Scripture, several stories are written about their tender relationship. In John’s writing about the death of Lazarus, Martha and Mary are understandably grieving the loss of their brother. Anyone who has lost a loved one can feel the pain death brings with it. Knowing Jesus, Martha and Mary are puzzled by the perceived lackadaisical response of Jesus upon hearing their brother, His dear friend, Lazarus was ill, and now, he is dead. We also might wonder when reading about this incident why Jesus did not go be with Lazarus in his time of need? However, if we fast-forward through the passage, we read that the story has not only a happy but miraculous ending when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead…at least for a time.

Sometimes, as we experience difficult situations we might wonder, where is Jesus in all of this? Our story does not always have a happy ending like the family of Lazarus, and if by a miracle it did happen, the ultimate result is the same for everyone, including Lazarus—sooner or later physical death still happens with 100% accuracy. So, is our purpose in this world to be happy? Healthy? Successful? Wealthy? What if our lives are riddled with sadness, disappointment, sickness, or poverty? Is our perception of God that He does not care about us because He does not meet our expectations when we need Him?

When He stood in the center of Martha’s and Mary’s grief, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Knowing He would raise Lazarus in only a matter of moments, and all would end well, why did Jesus weep? We can speculate about the answer, as have scholars down through the ages, but I wonder if Jesus knew that His presence alone was just not enough. Today, as I calculate my life with all the ups and downs, the long goodbyes with the people I loved most in this world, do I continue to mourn my losses, or is Jesus enough for me?

God’s Word is filled with His eternal promises that transcend our brief time on earth. Lord, let my heart and mind know beyond any doubt, that You are more than enough for me.

For deeper understanding, please read Ephesians 3.

“Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now, I know whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” John 11:21-22, RSV.

In the United States current political scene, we hear what always seems to motivate citizens to vote—promises and more promises. One candidate vows to do something that they hope attracts voters, while another candidate takes a completely opposite stand to garner more votes than his or her opponent. However, as most generations have learned, “promises” are not reliable for the simple reason, that promises are much easier to make than to keep. However, before we throw too many stones at politicians for their failure to keep promises, one need only consider the statistics that sadly, closer to home, promises made in marriages fail by fifty percent; a topic for another day.

While humanity has an unreliable record of keeping promises, thankfully for us God never fails to fulfil His promises. The writer, Jude, in the Bible reminds us that, God our Savior “is able to keep [us, you and me] from stumbling…” At first glance, this announcement may get brushed over too quickly. What does Jude mean when using the word “stumbling?” The thought that comes to mind is how easy it is to trip over the smallest obstacle, such as an uneven sidewalk, a miscalculated step, a small stone, or any object that gets in one’s way. In the life of every person, the “stumble” is any temptation that threatens to interrupt our progress. Sometimes the little things lead to the devastating fall, or sin, that often follows the stumble. As followers of Jesus Christ, God promises to catch us, if we do not push Him away.

Then, God promises “to present [us, you and me] faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior…” Not only does God keep us from stumbling, He welcomes us into His presence “with exceeding joy.” Friend, I hope this Scripture passage and this writing bless you, not only today but each day. God is faithful. Trust Him to walk alongside you because He loves you. Even if your stumble causes you to fall, Jesus will pick you up, if you let Him.

For deeper understanding, read the Book of Jude (Jude is only one chapter, but it is a treasure of God’s amazing promises. Find it right before the Book of Revelation).

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24 & 25.

When I was about ten years old, my parents put a key to our house on a rudimentary chain and hung it around my neck. They were frustrated by the number of keys I lost and had yet to find. Assured that as long as my neck remained intact, I would always be able to find my key. Lost keys are a universal problem. We designate specific places in our houses for keys—cubbies, hooks, even boxes hanging on the wall labeling keys for the various treasured places or objects in our lives.

Peter, a hot-head and one of the rag tag followers of Jesus, struggled to understand the mission for which he had been called. Of course, Peter was not alone in his lack of understanding. Eleven other men, chosen by Jesus, also struggled. Three years they followed Jesus, but knowing His time on earth was coming to an end, Jesus wanted to prepare them for His departure. Like the chain with the key my parents hung around my neck, Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” Although I am quite certain Peter had no earthly idea the value of what Jesus was telling him at the time, “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” would unlock the mystery of the Law of Moses, the Messiah, Savior of the world.

Today, I wear a cross on a simple chain around my neck, symbol of the “key” to the kingdom of heaven. The cross and the blood that poured from it provided the dynamite power unleashing the angels who with heavens might rolled the gravestone away. As promised, Jesus will return to the earth. With the same power He dismantled the stronghold of sin and death setting the captives free, He will open heaven’s door by which those who believe will enter our eternal home.

Have you found the Key?

For deeper understanding, read Matthew 16.

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19, NKJV.