as i worked yesterday, i had the radio on to the Christian music station available to us, KLOVE. they referred all day to the horrible killing of 28 people in Newtown, Connecticut.
in the course of the day, they read 2 different quotes that i would like to share with you.
a prayer by Max Lucado, Christian author:
words from "Scott & Kelli's" Pastor Ray:
in the course of the day, they read 2 different quotes that i would like to share with you.
a prayer by Max Lucado, Christian author:
Dear Jesus,
It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.
These killings, Lord. These children, Lord, Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.
The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?
Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The wise men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph, needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.
Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger.
This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.
Hopefully,
Your Children
words from "Scott & Kelli's" Pastor Ray:
Today is a heartbreaking day. Our nation experienced the second worst school shooting in American history. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. I, like all Americans, am devastated.
During tragic times like this there is inevitably a mad scramble for CLARITY. How could this happen? Why would a good and loving God let this happen? Who’s to blame for this senseless violence?
The problem – Shallow Christian clichés fall short and ultimately Clarity never comes…because at best, we see ‘through a glass dimly…'
During times like this we think we need Clarity when we really need is CERTAINTY.
• I am certain that this senseless act breaks the heart of God because…
I am certain that God understands what it means to lose a son.
• I am certain that every one of todays victims was precious to God
• I am certain that God is near to the brokenhearted
• I am certain that no life ever is devoid of meaning no matter how short.
• I am certain that Jesus meant it when he said, ‘Let the little children come to me’.
• I am certain that life is precious and that every day with your kids is a gift.
• I am certain that America needs to rediscover a reverence for life.
• I am certain that a day is coming when suffering will cease and God will reign.
• I am certain that when anyone closes their eyes here for the last time and wakes up in the arms of Jesus - they will be more alive than they have ever been.
so as you try to sleep through another impossible night, Newtown, i pray that you allow yourself to fall into the only arms that can bring true comfort: Jesus' arms.
and like max and pastor ray:
1) pray. God hears every kind of prayer, be it angry, confused, shocked, distressed, frustrated, horrified, despairing, questioning, doubting... HE WILL ALWAYS LISTEN.
2) think: of what are you CERTAIN? is there something you can point to that you know about God? what is the rock you can lean on?
if you are looking for a place to lean today, or just a place to hide and cry, God IS those things:
"He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those who have young."
Isaiah 40:11
"He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for His children it will be a refuge."
Proverbs 14:26
"As for God, His way is perfect;
the word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in Him.
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?"
Psalm 18:30-31
"Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
look at the earth beneath;
the heavens will vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment
and its inhabitants die like flies.
But My salvation will last forever,
My righteousness will never fail."
Isaiah 51:6
"My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me."
Psalm 63:8
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