Click to Enlarge

With the arrival of Hurricane Katrina, America experienced its second great modern tragedy. While the pain and suffering of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 was terrible, Katrina's onslaught, coupled with her aftermath, was utterly devastating.

Although considerably less than was predicted, the death toll from this single storm which hit Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama in all of its fury, nearly equaled the amount of American lives lost in three years of war in Iraq. Besides the loss of life, scores of thousands of people are completely displaced as a result of the total destruction of everything from houses to the community infrastructure in numerous parts of the Gulf coast.

It warms the heart to see the many efforts being made to help our fellow Americans in this time of need. It is also an opportunity to show the love of Christ to people who have suddenly realized the need for it. There are many who are being used by God to reach out with His good news of hope, joy and peace. We must lift up the whole Gulf coast in prayer before God, and especially our brethren who are now at the 'front lines,' meeting the spiritual needs, while providing for the physical. With Hurricane Rita following up close behind, it is clear that there will be many lives affected by this calamity for many more weeks, if not months.

Dear God, meet the needs of these people. Use this situation to your glory. We know that even the winds and water obey you, and that these storms are not beyond your control. We trust that you have a perfect plan, and that you are, even in the midst of this storm, having you own way. Help us all to learn to trust you more. Cause your Spirit to move upon the face of these waters, and draw many hearts closer to you. This I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, Amen.

Praise the Lord for His presence and His word, which assures us of the power and love of our God.

Various signs in the world around us are pointing to the fact that the Lord is preparing the world for the return of His Son. According to the Scriptures, Jesus is coming back for a glorious church, which does not have spot, or wrinkle, or anything like that at all. We must see the people, whom God has chosen, attain unto the perfection He requires of His Elect.

Paul admonished us to be established in the principles of the Doctrine of Christ, (such as Salvation, Sanctification, Baptism with the Holy Ghost, etc.), but to go on, with God's permission, unto perfection. This is an attainable goal, for Jesus said "Be ye perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Heb. 6:1-3; Matt. 5:8).

The Lord will have, at last, a people for His name. Blessed be the Lord.

David M. McNabb
Editor & Bible Guy