THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

October 9, 2024

LIFE IN THE FOLD

My heart has been broken for those thousands of people who have suffered devastation from Hurricane Helene. Lives lost, loved ones missing, homes and vehicles lost, businesses lost -- which results in lost jobs, major interstates and highways closed.... just so much loss and destruction.

I was thinking about this and the question came to mind, "Why would God allow this to happen? Many of those people who are suffering right now did nothing to deserve what they're going through. This happened so unexpectedly and they didn't have time to prepare and had no idea that the force of the hurricane would go that far inland and wreak so much havoc and destruction so quickly. Why them? Why didn't God turn the force of that hurricane back out to sea or stop it?" So many questions!

This is what came to mind: Ever since the beginning of time, people have suffered. Here's really what I believe is the crux of why disaster and suffering and hardships occur. When people begin to think that they no longer need God, that they are smarter than God and can do a much better job at taking care of themselves, they rely solely on themselves and believe that they are accomplishing everything that they do and have everything that they have due to their own intelligence, and see no reason to believe in God or acknowledge Him.... then disaster and bad things happen. And when those things happen, the innocent and godly suffer alongside the arrogant and godless.

This happened over and over again during Old Testament times with the nation of Israel. Sometimes disaster happened to them because of God's punishment for their disobedience and idol worship. Sometimes it was because God was trying to get their attention so that they would repent and turn back to Him. During those times, both the godly and ungodly suffered.

Daniel didn't deserve to be taken captive to Babylon; but he was. Joseph didn't deserve to be sold by his brothers and sold into slavery; but he was. David didn't deserve to be chased by Saul and have to go into hiding in order to spare his life; but he was. But the difference in those men and other Israelites was that when they were placed in dire circumstances and things looked the bleakest, they didn't lose hope. They didn't grow angry and bitter. They chose to trust God, regardless of their situation, and God was with them and never left or forsook them. Even in the midst of hardships and unfair circumstances, they remained faithful to God.

That's the difference between living in darkness and light. Those who dwell in darkness think that they are self-sufficient and have no need of God when things are going well. They believe that they are well able to take care of themselves and that God is unnecessary. They may even blame christians when bad things happen, failing to see that they need to repent and turn to God. It's God's will that no one will perish, but all come to repentance. He sometimes allows things to happen in order to try to get people's attention so that they will turn to Him. He may even allow things to occur as punishment for their disobedience and evil works. Yet the heart of the Father is always a deep desire to have relationship with all mankind and for each individual to accept His love.

Those who live in the light, have hope, regardless of what happens. They trust God, love God, and hold fast to His promises. They know that He will never abandon or forsake them or leave them alone. They don't grow bitter or angry or turn away from the Lord. They love the Lord their God with all of their heart, soul, might and spirit. They are determined that nothing shall separate them from the love of God.

Here is a modern day example: My sister lost her husband from a brain tumor 12 years ago. For the year leading up to his death, I watched her be his caregiver. Since that time I've seen her endure two house fires and losing almost everything she owned. The first time, the house was able to be rebuilt, but the second time was a total loss. Through an odd turn of events she ended up unexpectedly being a foster parent to two small boys for several weeks. Her first house fire occurred during the time she had them. She pastored a deaf church, by herself, after the death of her husband, for ten years before retiring a couple years ago. She went through some extremely difficult times with another situation that was heart-breaking. She has been diagnosed with two different kinds of arthritis. She has endured hardships that would have broken some people. She has grieved, mourned, cried, suffered loss of her husband, two homes, and many of her personal possessions..... yet she has never lost hope. She has never grown angry or bitter or depressed. Through it all, she has tenaciously held onto her relationship with God and has testimonies of His faithfulness!

John 16:33 says, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus was speaking these words and didn't say that there's a possibility that we may have trouble (some versions say tribulation, or many trials and sorrows); but He said that in this world we will have trouble. But He didn't just speak those works, then leave us without hope. He continued by saying to take heart -- or have courage or be of good cheer! How can we do that in the midst of suffering and troubles and tribulations? Jesus said, "I have overcome the world!"

Throughout history when horrible disasters have happened, people have suffered or lost loved ones or been persecuted. In the recent hurricane, it's hard to comprehend the amount of damage and loss. But through it all, God has never left or forgotten or forsaken all those who have been impacted. This didn't catch Him unaware or by surprise. He held each individual in His arms and was with them when disaster happened. We may have questions, but the truth remains, God loved each and every person who lost their life. God is still holding those who are suffering and experience so much devastation and loss in His arms. He is near to the brokenhearted. It may look impossible at this time, but God can bring about beauty for ashes and turn mourning into joy. Nothing is impossible with Him!

So hold onto hope! Pray for those who are suffering and help however God may impress you to do. But don't despair and see this situation as being bigger than God. Hold onto faith and trust that God is still in control and loves each individual with an everlasting love.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

There have been a lot of rumors and accusations lately regarding the two recent hurricanes, the devastation already caused and to be expected, and responses to them both. If you know people who have been there and know what they are talking about, please spread their stories, along with how you know you can trust them. But when you see random messages by people you have no reason to trust, please don't spread their rumors; instead, check the stories yourself from sources you know and trust.

One of the first ways to see if a rumor is malicious is to see if it is meant to bring help to people, or if the rumor is about anger, hatred, and fear. Love and compassion are from the Lord, and should be spread as often as possible. Anger, hatred, and fear are from Satan, and should be cut off as quickly as possible.

ON THE MENEWE:

Cabbage Casserole

Preheat oven to 350.

Coarsely chop cabbage. Place in a 3-quart casserole dish.

Chop onion and spread over top of cabbage. Pour 1/2 stick melted butter over the top. Salt and pepper.

In a small dish, mix cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise. Spread evenly on top of cabbage mixture in pan.

TOPPING:

For the topping: Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers. Mix crushed crackers with 1 stick of melted butter and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Spread mixture evenly over top of casserole.

Bake for 45 minutes or until top is browned and inside is bubbly.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

This week was school pictures for the two little ones that I get on the school bus in the mornings. The little girl was wearing a cute flowered skirt and a white shirt (which she had got a little dirty when eating breakfast). When it was time to go out to wait on the school bus, she wanted to wear her new zip-up hoodie jacket that is gray with white flowers on it. It was a little chilly outside. I told her to be sure and take her jacket off before having her picture taken. She asked, "But why? I look so cute in it!" That girl doesn't lack self-confidence!! I told her that I thought her mama would prefer her to not be wearing the jacket in her school picture. She said, "But it's so cute with the flowers on it... don't you think it's cute? And I look really cute in it!" So it will be a surprise when the proofs come back from the picture on whether she's wearing her cute shirt of her hoodie jacket!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

God has a plan for your life.

The enemy has a plan for your life.

Be ready for both.

Just be wise enough to know which one to battle and which one to embrace. - TobyMac

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org