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The videos are absolutely heart-wrenching. Those people were gone before they even knew what hit them.
Seismologists called the disaster "a double whammy." Unlike most earthquakes, this one hit close to the shore. So the tsunami followed almost immediately, leaving most people in its path with no warning. Suddenly, an inescapable wall of water roared over everything - and everyone - in its path.
There's one video that's had over ten million views as of today. It's haunting.
Apparently, it was taken by a man on a Palu rooftop, a few blocks from the beach. You can literally see the tsunami monster crashing over the beach and rushing toward the street below.
What's so moving is hearing the man shouting to the people below, trying to warn them of the doom he sees coming. Some don't seem to respond. Others start running, hopefully seeking higher ground.
I couldn't understand the man's words, of course - but I couldn't miss the desperation in his voice.
Just think - knowing the death that's approaching. Watching people who have no idea. So you do everything you can to warn them, to move them to safety. What else would you do?
So why don't we?
Those of us who follow Jesus. Who know that "people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). People we know. People we see all the time. But people who probably have no idea what's rushing toward them if they're not ready.
"Ready" means they have had their sins forgiven by the only One who can. The one Man who died to pay sin's hellish death penalty. Jesus, who literally "laid down His life for us" (1 John 3:16).
"But how shall they ask Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?" Romans 10:14 - (NLT). Someone who's close enough to be heard.
I can't imagine that man on the rooftop, knowing the approaching death, simply standing by and watching. Never giving people around him a chance to live.
But what about us? God uses the example of a watchman on the city wall who sees danger coming. He says, "If you do not warn them...in order to save their life...I will hold you accountable for their blood" (Ezekiel 3:18).
If you've ever been to the funeral of someone you should have told about Jesus, you know what an awful feeling that is. I do. We can't change that now. But we can determine that we don't want to feel that way ever again.
Living a good life isn't enough. They'll never guess Jesus died for their sins just by watching our life. We have to tell them.
Whatever our reason for remaining silent in the face of a spiritual tsunami, it just can't be reason enough. Not with eternity at stake.
Our silence is deadly.
We know where the higher ground is. Someone told us. It's that hill with the cross at the top.
It's time to tell them.
Today's quotes
~ Dr. Darren Canning- "Repentance leads to life. Sin leads to death. Turn to the Lord and ask Him to change you. The bible is not just a book of stories and ideas. It is the revelation of the living God about the redemption of a sinful people. It isn’t just a good idea to live according to the word, it is a command. Each of us will be judged based upon the word. Allowing Jesus into your heart and submitting to Him is the beginning of wisdom.
~ Max Lucado- "Religious leaders loved to make theater out of their prayers. The show nauseated Jesus. In Matthew 6:6 He said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and He will reward you.”
The words surely stunned Jesus’ audience. The people were simple farmers and stonemasons. They couldn’t enter the temple. But they could enter their closets. The point? He is low on fancy, high on accessibility. You need not woo him with location! Or wow him with eloquence. It’s the power of a simple prayer.
"God Chats in the Closet"- From Before Amen
Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at OnePlace.com and find resources at MaxLucado.com
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| Morning prayers |
Father, our hearts break for the people who died in this mentioned tsunami! We ask You to help those who have lived through the devastation, and who are searching in the hopes of locating their families and friends.
Today, we are witnessing more bad news in the Panhandle of Florida, where whole communities are completely devastated; where many are without power and many homes are under water!
May it be that many folks will answer the call to volunteer, provide the finances for food and water, and to pray for those who's homes are no longer available for them at this time.
Bless those who are there to help in whatever way they can. We ask this in Jesus' name. May there be many stories of God's provision, protection, and godly compassion shared with all the folks who are affected in so many ways. Amen.
Today, we are witnessing more bad news in the Panhandle of Florida, where whole communities are completely devastated; where many are without power and many homes are under water!
May it be that many folks will answer the call to volunteer, provide the finances for food and water, and to pray for those who's homes are no longer available for them at this time.
Bless those who are there to help in whatever way they can. We ask this in Jesus' name. May there be many stories of God's provision, protection, and godly compassion shared with all the folks who are affected in so many ways. Amen.
Today's Bible verses-
Prov. 30:5 (NKJV) "Every word of God is pure; He
is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."
Ps. 91:2 (NKJV) "He who dwells in the secret place
of the Most high shall abide under the shadow of the
Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge
and my fortress; My God, in him I will trust.' "
Ps. 25:4, 5 (NKJV) "Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and
teach me, For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day."
is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."
Ps. 91:2 (NKJV) "He who dwells in the secret place
of the Most high shall abide under the shadow of the
Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge
and my fortress; My God, in him I will trust.' "
Ps. 25:4, 5 (NKJV) "Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and
teach me, For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day."
List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!
Upcoming posts-
#91 The Anointing is for You, If . . .
16th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
#92 You Must be a Person of God
18th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
The Flood that Follows Your Storm
20th- Saturday's post by Ron Hutchcraft
#93 Others Recognize a Person of God
23rd- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
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| Chittenango Falls, NY |
Helpful ways the Lord helped me in my marriage.
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