Faith lessons in the face of impending natural disasters

The conflict over in Iraq
is not the only war.
The frontlines on the weather map
show skirmishes galore.

The right coast reels from hurricanes.
The left coast burns and quakes.
The Midwest is Tornado-ville
and  in the South it bakes.

We’re all on edge this time of year.
And though we think we’re strong,
it only takes the things we fear
to prove to us we’re wrong.

We like to think we’re in control
and do the things we please.
But it’s a wake up call of sorts
to hear Mom Nature sneeze.

From coast to coast we run the risk
of suffering real harm.
So why not learn to walk by faith
while leaning on God’s arm?

Why Shasta Groene needs our prayers

Young Shasta hasta ache inside
from all that she’s been through.
This victim of such evil crimes
could not have had a clue

what would be stolen from her grasp.
Her childhood innocence.
Two brothers and her mother, too
by one deprived of sense.

He robbed her of a good night’s sleep.
He vandalized her dreams.
He took what can’t be given back
through his perverted schemes.

And though she’s finally safe and snug
within her father’s arms,
this little princess needs our prayers
to shield her from new harms.

For what’s beneath her winning smile
won’t always be contained.
Like Mt. St. Helens, Shasta, too,
in time will spew and flame.

Let’s pray this blast will be controlled
through long term therapy
and that she’ll know her Father’s love.
The One she cannot see.

Paying Homage to the Prince of Preachers

Though quite feeble, Billy battled
to proclaim God’s truth again.
He’s as brittle as a cracker,
still this Graham has strength within.

He’s resilient and determined.
Doctors shake their heads in awe
at this white-haired prince of preachers
who has led the world to God.

Once again he’s home at Montreat
after preaching one last time.
This globe-trotting ‘good news’ spokesman
still can make the Scriptures rhyme.

He can still shape moral conscience.
And he will though he retires.
Billy’s full-on bold commitment
is amazing. It inspires.

It’s a kind of God-allegiance
too few Christians tend to pledge
in a culture of convenience
where our risks are often hedged.

May our Father bless our brother
as he faces what’s to come.
Pray that Bill will keep on running
’til his race on earth is done.

How the Good News is observable in this week’s great news

A little lamb had wandered from the safety of the fold.
The Shepherd knew he was at risk alone out in the cold.

The dangers in the wilderness are ones to rightly fear.
There are the beasts that stalk at night the poor sheep never hear.

This one so young had left the flock to follow his own way.
He didn’t know that he was lost until his world turned gray.

The brambles and the hiss of snakes soon found this lamb afraid.
He felt so far removed from love he shivered, wept and prayed.

Though missing, this young lamb was not forgotten in his plight.
The Shepherd, moved by heartfelt love, went searching in the night.

He wouldn’t sleep or rest or eat while looking for the lost.
When tempted to give up and quit, he braved the wind and frost.

The helpless kid would surely die if he was not soon found.
And so the Shepherd soldiered on to comb the barren ground.

This search and rescue mission had consumed his mind and soul.
He’d gladly save this one He loved no matter what the toll.

And when it seemed all hope was gone, a shout of joy was heard.
The lamb once lost had now been found. We thrilled to hear the word.

It’s comforting to realize that all who wander far
are sought by One who longs for them no matter who they are.

And just in case you doubt His heart consider His old cross.
It’s bloody proof He’ll search and search regardless of the cost.

The hunt for Brennan near Salt Lake is more than just good news.
We see in it our Father’s love that only fools refuse.