In lieu of the recent tragedy in Haiti in the last couple days I thought I’d post a few thoughts.  Already, the question is being asked, “If there is a God or if God is good- how could he let this happen?” First of all, God is not the only spiritual being operating on this planet.  There is another, his name is Satan (the devil).  He’s been here since the beginning of creation and will continue to operate here until his time comes to be thrown in the lake of fire forever.  Because of Adam and Eve’s original sin, we live in a fallen environment.  Creation itself suffers under the effects of the consequences of sin.  Natural disasters are sometimes just that………natural, other times they are demonically stirred up to bring destruction to a nation.  Satans m.o. has not changed since the beginning of time.  Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy.  But I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”  God loves people, the devil hates people.  God is for us, the devil is against us.  Jesus came into the world to deliver us from the power of sin and its consequences.  Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  God made the way in the sacrifice of Jesus, for our sins to be forgiven, the curse broken, and the judgement against us overturned because he suffered it for us.  It falls to us then, to believe the good news, repent of our sins and receive Christ as our savior.  It’s true that bad things happen to good people sometimes.  But it is never because its God’s will or because God ran out of grace and mercy.  It’s because in this life we are engaged in a spiritual warfare.  Good against evil, light against darkness.  We are encouraged in I Tim 6:12 to “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life….”  Hold on to faith in God and his love for people.  Let the love of God flow through you to the hurting. For those suffering in Haiti, we can pray and contribute financially to trustworthy organizations that are bringing relief.  May all those in the midst of this trauma find hope in Jesus Christ and the power of God’s love to restore them!

Due to impending storm/blizzard and hazardous road conditions,  church service will be canceled tonight. (wednesday, Dec 9)  See you all Sunday!!

Firsts.  First step, first car, first date, first game win, first time away from home, first day of a new year, first attempt at a blog…….ever.  Firsts are a kind of two-edged sword, on the one side exciting and challenging and on the other intimidating and scary.  Even so, it’s important to keep experiencing firsts.  They keep you growing as a person.  They unlock potential and help your vision materialize.  I read somewhere that after reaching 30 years old most people never attempt anything new.  I determined that would not be my experience.  I asked God to help me challenge myself ocassionally to try something in which I had an interest- to “go first.”  What are your interests?  How are you going to grow this year?  What are you going to do to break out of the mundane, to overcome a fear, to unleash a God given talent inside you?  Hmmmm…….firsts…..