Are You Prepared?

Floridians worked tirelessly to make preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. From purchasing bottled water and batteries to filling up gas tanks and boarding up windows, everyone did what they could to ensure they would be ready to weather the storm. With the threat of a catastrophic hurricane aiming for the Sunshine State, no one wanted to be caught off guard.

As a native Floridian, it saddened me to think of the possible destruction that could come upon our state. Watching people at the grocery store, stocking up on supplies, I actually became tearful when I thought about the reasons why they were clearing out the shelves. While some of them were simply restocking their pantry, others were purchasing items out of desperation. They were not buying eight boxes of cereal or two cases of identical canned goods because the items were on sale. They were doing what they could to ease their fear of the unknown.

Some individuals were uncertain as to how long they will be without power. Evacuees who stayed in shelters waited apprehensively, wondering if they would return home only to find no home at all. Still others were afraid they would not even survive to assess the damages found on their property.

And so, preparations ensued with the idea that it was best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. At our home, we followed suit, boarding up our windows for the first time ever. Many people filled sandbags in an attempt to protect their homes and businesses from flood waters. Based on the storm’s path, there was a possibility it could come directly over us as a category 3 hurricane. The forecast was grim for nearly every inch of the Florida peninsula and the Florida Keys as well. Fear was contagious.

As Hurricane Irma barreled up the west coast, all eyes were on the National Hurricane Center updates. When the hurricane made landfall, preparations had to cease. Everyone sought a secure location in which to ride out the storm, whether in their own homes, hotels, shelters, churches, or other structures. Time had run out. Irma would unleash her fury from coast to coast and north to south, bringing unprecedented devastation to much of the southeast.

Sadly, Hurricane Irma took the lives of dozens of people across the Caribbean and the state of Florida. Thousands of homes were either damaged or destroyed. Many homes are still underwater. Although the total cost of this storm is yet to be determined, it will certainly be one of the costliest storms in history.

Hurricane survivors are trying to piece their lives back together, grateful to be alive. Power outages are a minor inconvenience, especially for those of us who still have a roof over our heads to keep us dry. Gas shortages and the unavailability of perishable food in many areas brings little concern for people who are focused on holding their family a little bit closer, now that the enormity of the destruction has sunken in.

One moment, everyone was living their normal lives, going to work and school, visiting family and friends, enjoying every day activities. The next moment, normalcy became foreign. As the violent winds blew and the torrential rain fell, life changed. The power went out. Communities were decimated. Lives were lost.

As I watched the news and observed the destruction in this storm’s path firsthand in my own hometown, I realized the close parallel between the importance of being prepared for a hurricane and the even more critical need to be prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

One day soon, a trumpet will sound. This is not a trumpet like the ones you find in a symphony orchestra, but a trumpet which will be heard around the world. Upon this trumpet call, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (I Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is the moment when Jesus Christ returns to this earth in victory to take His children home. If Christ returns today, are you prepared?

Unlike a hurricane, there will be no meteorologists or newscasters warning people in advance. The headlines in the newspaper will never read, Christ Comes Back Tomorrow. Matthew 24:36 tells us, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” That is why we must be ready, prepared for His coming, every moment of every day. In the same way you do not want to be caught off guard in a horrific storm, you do not want to be found unprepared when the Lord returns to this earth.

Perhaps you are sitting there reading this, with the knowledge that your friends are saved, hoping that will count for something. Matthew 24:40-41 states, “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” You cannot rely on another person’s salvation to be your ticket to Heaven.

You could be thinking…I’m a good person. I try to do the right things. Certainly God will have mercy on me when it is all said and done. According to the Bible, we can never be good enough. Good works cannot save you. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is nothing we can do to deserve salvation. It is only by the grace of God that we can receive this priceless gift.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The Bible says we have all sinned (Romans 3:23), which is why we need redemption found only through the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross of Calvary. Confess your sins today. Believe in Jesus Christ. Call on the name of the Lord and you shall be saved (Acts 2:21).

There is no need for supplies of any kind. Boarding up windows is useless. There is only one way to prepare for Christ’s return. Jesus said, “‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6). Jesus Christ is the only way to obtain salvation. Receive His unending love and amazing grace today.

When Christ returns, there will be no emergency alert gracing the face of your smart phone or television screen. No one knows the day when Christ will return, except God Himself (Matthew 24:36). God’s Word says, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44).

Unlike an impending storm, there will be no warning. Once Jesus Christ returns, the window of opportunity to receive the gift of salvation will be closed. The opportunity is now. Make the most vital preparation of your life today.

What's Rocking Your Boat?

The Wind and the Waves

Earlier this week, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a few days at St. Augustine Beach with my Dad and Grandma.  One evening, I was sitting on the sand enjoying the refreshing surf as it lapped against my feet.  Within minutes, the wind started to blow and the rain began to fall.  As the thunder roared and the lightning flashed, I sat there in awe of the undeniable beauty that was set before me, even in the midst of these otherwise inclement conditions.  The infinite array of colors in the sky was barely visible among the graying clouds, but it was still evident that the sun was soon setting.  Even with the impending thunderstorm, the waves continued to roll in, spreading out across the sand in the same orderly fashion as they had minutes, hours, even days before.

But it wasn’t the thunder, the lightning, or the rain that held true beauty.  Instead, it was the beauty of knowing that God himself had created the vast ocean that I had the privilege to behold.  It was His hand that was guiding each and every rain drop, and He was the one controlling the Heavens above, ensuring that each bolt of lightning and each clap of thunder were orchestrated at the precise time and location.  Walking back to the hotel, I had no fear.  I knew that the same God who was watching over each and every detail of the storm was most assuredly watching over me.

Sometimes in life, though, we do not have this same reassurance.  There are things that we encounter that seem too scary to handle.  Fear grips our innermost being and we can barely move, speak, or even breathe at times.  It may be something greater than a thunderstorm passing overhead.  It may be a physical storm, in the form of cancer, Alzheimer’s, or some other illness.  You could also be facing a mental or emotional storm, whether it is a battle with depression, anxiety, or some other crippling condition that has you trapped in a pit of fear, causing you to feel as if there is no way out.  Someone you know may be frightening you with their condescending or threatening language.  Fear can take on many forms, many of which can jeopardize an individual’s ability to live a normal life.  Being afraid can even cause a person to feel that they are knocking at death’s door.

Even Jesus’ disciples were so scared one day that they thought they were going to die.  Although they traveled and ministered with the Lord and Savior, they were not immune to fear.  Matthew 8:24-25 tells the story best:  “Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.  But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’”  Even with Jesus on their boat, the disciples were still filled with fear.  Instead of realizing that Jesus was sleeping, completely unconcerned by the storm outside, they began to lose faith.

Think about it.  The King of Kings and Lord of Lords was actually on their boat, yet they were still scared. Jesus had performed many miracles.  In Matthew chapter 8, we read that Jesus healed a man with leprosy, a paralyzed servant, and even Peter’s mother-in-law.  Nevertheless, the disciples still doubted His ability to keep them safe in the midst of a raging storm.  They looked at the situation with human eyes, considering the “what ifs.”  I’m sure they thought about the possibility that the boat could capsize.  What if they are knocked overboard and cannot swim to safety?  What if the boat broke into a million pieces?  Instead of thinking of all of the negative possibilities, they should have been praising God, thanking Him for delivering them from the storm, having faith that He would protect them from all harm.

Jesus wasn’t upset with their reaction to the storm.  He only had one question for His disciples.  He asked, “‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’” (Matthew 8:26).  The same question could apply to you and me.  Why are we afraid?  We have Jesus Christ on our boat.  There is no need to fear.  No matter what situation we are going through, we can rest assured that Jesus Christ is with us always.  He will calm every storm in our life.  Just as He rebuked the winds and waves and calmed the storm with His disciples, He will do the same for us (Matthew 8:26).  So the next time you are in a frightening situation, focus your eyes on Jesus Christ.  Find beauty amidst the darkness.  Have faith that Jesus Christ will calm the storm and keep you safe from all harm.  Don’t be afraid.  Be courageous.  Jesus is with you!  (Matthew 14:27)

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The Redwood Tree

Did you know the bark of the average Redwood tree is up to one foot thick?  Due to the extraordinary thick bark, along with their high water content and lack of resin, Redwoods are able to more successfully resist the destruction of forest fires.  Additionally, the tannic acid in the bark helps Redwoods resist disease and insect infestation.  Redwoods are not indestructible, but they do have many characteristics that help them thrive in the environment in which they live, despite the turmoil that may develop around them.

In truth, we are a lot like the Redwood tree.  Just like this towering tree that endures through hardship, we have the tools we need to stand up against all negative influences we encounter.  Just like the Redwood is protected by its bark, we have protection through the armor of God!

Ephesians 6:11 states, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”  Every day, we are going to face situations that tempt us and cause our faith to waver.  Just like the Redwood that often faces fire or infestation; we encounter illnesses, negative opinions, and other things the devil uses to try to alter our beliefs.

The Bible says the devil is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8).  But if we have on the full armor of God, we can stand up against every curveball the devil throws our direction.  God’s armor will protect us in the same way that the Redwood finds protection through its outer covering of bark.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul adds one more aspect of the armor of God.  It isn’t enough to simply have the tools.  You have to have the divine intervention of the Holy Spirit.  He says, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18).  I am reminded of the popular t-shirt sold some time ago in Christian bookstores that said: “Seven days without prayer makes one weak.”  How true this is!

Without prayer, our lives become even more susceptible to attacks by the enemy.  We find ourselves losing patience with other people, struggling to get out of bed in the morning, and having an overall negative attitude.  But through prayer, we can see our mountains turn into molehills.  Our storm clouds will turn into rainbows.  And our trials will turn into testimonies.  Prayer is the direct line of communication we have to the throne of grace.

You may be going through a battle of your own right now.  It may be that a loved one is knocking at death’s door.  You may be trying to figure out how to make ends meet, with only enough money to cover the electric bill or the mortgage.  Your car may be on its last leg, your job may be in jeopardy, or your children may be engaging in illegal activity.  I want to encourage you today.  Pray about your situation.  Ask other people to pray with you.  God’s Word says that where two or three are gathered together in His name, there will He be in the midst of them.

Through prayer, hearts can be mended, lives can be transformed, and miracles can happen.  No matter what you are going through, there is nothing too big for God.  No place on this planet is out of the reach of the almighty God.  He is watching over you.  Have faith that He will see you through.

Every morning when you get out of bed, put on the armor of God.  Buckle the belt of truth around your waist, put the breastplate of righteousness on your chest, and place your feet inside the readiness from the gospel of peace.  When the flaming arrows of the enemy come to harm you, let the shield of faith be your extinguisher, just like the Redwood bark dissuades fire in a forest.  Finally, place the helmet of salvation on top of your head and grasp on to the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

God does not expect you to go into battle alone.  Just as He has given the Redwoods the ability to survive undesirable conditions, He has given you everything you need to reign victorious, whether you are in the sunshine or the rain.  So stand firm in every situation, allowing the armor of God to protect you from all harm.  Then you, too, can stand tall like the Redwoods, knowing that God is on your side!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The Shelter in the Storm

A little over one month ago, my community was ravaged with an unprecedented storm.  Tropical Storm Debby dropped over 20 inches of rain in a matter of hours, causing massive flooding and destruction.  Hundreds of homes and vehicles were destroyed and countless people lost everything they owned.  To complicate matters even more, over 100 sinkholes have opened up in Suwannee County alone.  It is being declared as a “500 year event.”  Gratefully, no lives have been lost in our county, save the many livestock and pets that were swept away in the storm.  Even so, it is a disaster that has rattled everyone to their very core.



I am sure many people are asking themselves, “Why?” and “How?”  Personally, I have been asking some of the same questions.  My long-haired miniature Dachshund, Lucy, along with my two pygmy goats, Charlotte and Savannah, were taken by the flood.  I know many others have lost so much more, but still I wonder, “Why?”  Why did God allow my animals to be swept away?  I also wonder, “How?”  Our backyard became a huge lake, something which we do not have on our property.  The water came within inches of flooding my dad’s workshop and our home as well.  Looking at the photographs, I cannot quite comprehend how the water was approximately five feet high toward the back of our property, yet did not make its way into the house.  If the water had flowed level, I am pretty sure this would have been the case.  Still, several friends of mine were not so fortunate and woke up to several feet of water in their homes.  Over a month later, they are still trying to make sense of it all.

In life, there are many things we may never be able to comprehend.  Sometimes, these events will cause us to question our family and friends, question our beliefs, and even question God.  But it is also in these moments when we can often find a rainbow amid the clouds.  For me, the rainbow amid this particular storm is the realization that God caused the water to do something incomprehensible to my mind, thus preventing it from coming in our home.  Losing my pets was devastating, but it could have been so much worse.  Not only could we have personally lost everything, but human lives could have been lost in our county as well.  In life, there will be storms that ravage our communities, our homes, and our lives.  But God always has our back.  He always has a perfect plan and He will bring us through every storm.

I can’t help but think about Noah and how he must have felt, building that Ark.  Everyone laughed at him and thought he was a lunatic for working on such an enormous vessel.  There had been no rain in sight for a very long time, so the idea of an Ark to save his family from a flood was a little farfetched, to say the least.  Yet, he knew what God had called him to do.  I am sure there were times he doubted God and became discouraged, wondering if he should continue.  Then when it was time to gather two of every animal, I am sure it was a monumental task, leading lions, bears, giraffes, elephants, and other animals onto this boat.  Still, he and his family continued to trust God, with every board and every nail and with each and every animal, two by two.  Because of Noah’s faith in God, he and his family were saved, along with each pair of animals God had created.

What about you?  Are you facing a storm in your own life?  Maybe it is not a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake.  Perhaps it is an emotional, physical, or financial storm.  You may be going through a divorce or battling depression.  There may be someone in your family fighting for their life in Intensive Care.  Or someone you know could be suffering from the effects of Alzheimer’s, cancer, or some other disease.  Whatever you are facing, I want to encourage you right this very moment.  Do not be afraid.  Call on the name that is above every other name: Jesus.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  No matter what you are going through, Jesus will calm your fears, He will guide your footsteps, and He will be your Friend that sticks closer than any brother.  Jesus will be your Shelter in the storm.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer

Mountain-Sized Storms

Several weeks ago, I was huddled under the awning on our deck in the Great Smoky Mountains.  The rain was falling rapidly from the clouds, the thunder echoed through the mountains, and the lightening flashed brightly in the evening sky.  Directly across from our deck, there is a breathtakingly beautiful mountain stream.  Cascading down into the stream is a gorgeous waterfall.  Even in the midst of a fierce and somewhat frightening mountain thunderstorm, the beauty surrounding the area remains truly indescribable.

In life, there are many types of mountain-sized storms.  There are the physical ones that we can see and hear.  In these storms, we can readily seek shelter from the rain and wind.  Through the wisdom God has imparted to the men and women manning the weather stations, we often receive advance warning that a severe storm is approaching our area, giving us time to adequately prepare, which improves our safety in the midst of the storm.  Other times, we are not so fortunate.  Sometimes, there is not enough warning.

A close family friend once shared her experience as she and her family lived to tell the tale of the nightmarish storm named Hurricane Andrew that swept through Miami, Florida.  She told us how she and her family huddled in the bathtub, praying and hoping they would all survive the howling winds, the torrential rain, and the endless debris.  As their roof and the walls of their home were stripped away from the foundation, they wondered if they would survive.  As the storm moved on, it only left one thing behind: the bathtub.  Though everything they owned was either destroyed or blown away, they were alive.  Their family had been spared.  God had granted them safety in the storm.

Sometimes, even the knowledge that a storm is in the area cannot prepare us for the devastation that lies ahead.  A hurricane can be too fierce, a tornado can come upon us too suddenly, a tsunami can overtake us before we have time to evacuate…  Much like these physical storms, there are also emotional and mental storms that we must endure.  And much like the aforementioned physical storms, there is not always adequate warning with regard to when and where these storms will strike.

At the age of sixteen years old, I went into my closet to change clothes.  My dad and I were preparing to go see my mom who was in the hospital.  I felt a piercing pain in my side.  Within a few short hours, I was lying on an operating table, having been diagnosed with a perforated colon and peritonitis.  If the doctors had not operated immediately and if my parents had not prayed for my healing, I might not have lived through the night.

My parents were very concerned and prayed diligently that the Lord would spare my life.  I remember my words to them as I was about to be rolled into the operating room.  I told them that I loved them and that God would make sure everything was alright.  Even in the midst of this storm, I had assurance that God would make it right.  I knew that His promise in Romans 8:28 was true.

All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

As I sit here today, fourteen years later, I can still tell you with calm assurance that everything will be okay.  Since that time, I have weathered many more storms, some of which have been much more ferocious.  The night my mom had a heart attack was one of the most violent storms I have ever faced.  Each time I walk in our living room in our camper in the mountains, I am reminded of the horrors of that night.  For several years, I have questioned why God would take her at such a young age, and why He would allow it to happen there, at our beautiful place in the mountains.  How could something so tragic occur in such a magnificent and peaceful setting?

While I do not have all of the answers, I have come to realize that these questions are not important.  Instead, I am beginning to realize that instead of avoiding this place I used to love, I need to embrace it.  Rather than dwelling on one single night, I need to focus on the fifteen years that we have spent in the midst of these majestic mountain landscapes.  I need to be grateful for the memories that we have made there and enjoy making new memories each and every day that God allows us to be in the midst of His awe-inspiring Creation.

Why?  Because even through my uncertainty, even through the storm that swept through my life nearly four years ago, and even through my emotional ups and downs relating to this place I find both peaceful and unsettling, God knows me and loves me without fail.  In every moment I feel ill at ease there, He loves me.  In every moment that I question Him, He loves me.  In every moment I just need to feel loved, He loves me.

Friend, I want to encourage you and remind you that God loves you, too, with an absolute love that has no end.  God will take everything that has happened in your life and use it for your good.  You may not understand it yet.  Perhaps you are still spinning around in a tornado of emotions, or maybe you are inundated by a flood of sorrowful tears.  No matter what storm you are facing, God is standing with you.  He will ensure that you make it safely to the sunshine once more, where you will be able to enjoy the beauty surrounding you.  Though the thunder may roll, the lightening may flash, and the rain may fall, God will be your Shelter from the storm.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer