IN THIS ISSUE

Prayers For The People

What Does Trusting God Mean?

We can't turn on the television today without seeing a report on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina! Our hearts break at the graphic details of the conditions in New Orleans and for the people who have been displaced by the disaster. It's in times like these when people start questioning why God would let something like this happen, yet now is the time when we need God the most.  As people of faith, it's time to pray and to help in any way that we can.   The following articles describe how faith can help us in any crisis, particularly at a time like we are now experiencing.
                                                                     ............... June

 

 

Prayers for the People

 by Cory L. Kemp
 

Early news reports that indicated Hurricane Katrina had dodged New Orleans enough to avoid the worst were wrong.

The Gulf Coast is suffering today in ways that are unimaginable to any of us who have anything other than nothing. Reporters are unflinching in telling us the stories: no food or water for the people at the Astrodome, who also must literally live with the dead because there is nowhere to take them; streets still flooded five days after the storm, and more water pouring in because the levees are collapsed; one block of hundreds of thousands of blocks comprised of shattered homes, cars and bodies yet to be discovered. Perhaps the most horrific picture is the broadening belief that no one cares enough to come help because there is no way to spread the news that help is coming.

Among all the horror, help is coming. There are emergency rooms being set up at the New Orleans airport. The streets of Biloxi, Mississippi, are beginning to be cleared with bulldozers. Some cell phone service is being restored so communication lines are opening up. One Texas city, willing to receive 25,000 refugees, has offered to now welcome 75,000 people. Tonight a concert on the NBC network will gather donations for the relief effort. Signs of hope are lighting the way to see over the horizon.

We can add to that light, even at a distance. As people of faith we can make a significant difference in people's lives on the Gulf Coast simply by continuing to live by what we believe.

First, we can contribute financially in whatever way we can and feel directed to do.

Second, we can continue to pay attention to the news, to know and to understand as much as possible about what is happening, and to see the relief efforts as they are impacting the devastated area. Every time someone is able to make this situation better than it was, God's will is being carried out in a dramatic, concrete way. In these acts, more hope and more of God's grace is revealed, and we must remember to be grateful and express that gratitude to God.

Third, we can pray. We must pray, for the residents, the relief workers and those who will follow to help rebuild. If we as a people of faith do nothing else, we must believe for the people of the Gulf Coast that, as the Gospel of John states, "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it."
 

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As an ordained minister I have worked in educational ministries in several congregations, as well as pastoring a congregation. My writing has focused on nonfiction essays and I have recently submitted a theological memoir for publication. My ministerial background and love of writing have combined to develop Creating Women Ministries, a website dedicated to encouraging theological dialogue, particularly among women, through workshops, journaling and personal spiritual development. My website can be found at http://www.creatingwomenministries.com , and I can be reached by email at creatingwomen@irun.com . My blog is located at http://creatingwomenministries.blogspot.com .

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What Does Trusting God Mean?

 by Daniel N. Brown

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had no problems and no uncomfortable situations in life? That we be great! Someday, when we all get to heaven, that's the way it will be. Until then, the closest thing to heaven is keeping God first in our lives, helping other people, and being in a complete state of trusting God.

As the pressures of life close in, those pressures may force us into situations that can be unpleasant (to say the least). We may grow numb, and eventually, just kinda throw up our hands in frustration and ask ourselves, "How did I get into this mess?" Then we may feel we are never really able to benefit anyone else because our own circumstances have become so rotten.

Sometimes we are doing all we know to do and truly believe with all of our hearts that we are trusting God, and things still seem to be dismal. But, sometimes God withdraws Himself for a season in our lives to test us. I know that has happened to me, personally, on several occasions.

At one particular time in my life I was in financial ruin and was desperately needing God to do something. Everything else in my life was fine but my financial situation. As I enjoyed fellowship with Him everyday, most everything else was going along fine, but my finances continued to become worse. Now, when I look back, I can see all of the great things I have benefited from that seemingly bad experience.

If you love God, then remember that He is in the midst of your circumstances and He has everything under control. When things don’t seem to be working out the way we think they should, remember, God said in Isaiah 55:8-9, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than yours.”

We are told in Proverbs 3:5 to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” So, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

God has got a plan and trusting Him is knowing that no matter what happens, He will bring good out of it. Romans 8:28 says, "God works all things together for the good of those who love him."

You are meant to be free of stress, reasoning, worry and everything else that can weigh you down. So, if you have been concerned about things to the point where it has stolen your joy, remember, Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, “Take no thought for your life.”

Sometimes, we are to just take our hands off of things and let God take care of them. Let Him do what only He can do and not worry about the outcome. He has our best interest in mind and has a wonderful plan for each or us (Jeremiah 29:11).

It's very reassuring to remember what God says about you, and what He says about Himself, whenever you may be going through a trying situation.

He says, "I am your Shephard, I care for you, and My name is 'I Am' " and “I will keep you in perfect peace because your mind is stayed on Me, because you trust in Me” (Isaiah 26:3).

If you can truly believe with all of your heart and confess, "God, I take no thought for my life, I am anxious for nothing, and I am still, and know that You are God," then you will experience that perfect peace He is talking about.
 

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Daniel N. Brown is an entrepreneur and teacher of biblical success principles. Get your FREE report entitled, "How to Receive from God" when you sign up for your FREE weekly newsletter. http://www.SecretPlaceOnline.com

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See you soon! Norm and June McHardy
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