“You always need divine protection, and, believer in Christ, you shall always have it.” ~ Charles Spurgeon

Praise the Lord we made it through another evening of strong thunderstorms. Amen. It is Tuesday, November 25, 2025, and, ever since Hurricane Ike busted up our place real good, we've been a wee bit leery of high winds and heavy rain. I do know some in our general area did not fair as well because of some tornadic activity that came with the front moving through. The physical storms that we deal with also are in many respects metaphors for the storms of life that come to each and every person. You are someone who has never experienced a storm in your life? Good for you and thank God. For the rest of us, the preacher likes to put it this way: We are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or, getting ready to go into a storm as we continue life here on the planet. I don't know about you but for me I have found a lot of the life storms I have experienced were result of the hurricane named Me, Myself, and I. What do life storms look like? Some common examples include grief, illness, financial hardship, and relationship issues. Other challenges people face are divorce, betrayal, addiction, or spiritual and emotional battles like doubt and confusion. Some perspectives categorize these storms, such as self-inflicted problems, divine tests, or unavoidable hardships from living in a fallen world. A common thread of truth concerning life's storms is found in God's promises to always be with us, always, for He has said, "I will never leave or forsake you". (Deuteronomy 31:6, and Hebrews 13:5) I have often heard throughout my life people saying this as great difficulties are faced, "I don't know how people who do not know the Lord can deal with such challenges." That, my friend, is so very true. The promises of God are to those who are His own. His common grace given to all humanity might help through charity outreach and other forms of support, however, the individual heart needs the personal confirmation of God as Father when difficulties are encountered. How many of you out there can testify of God's faithfulness during tough times? I hear you. Me too! Here's what the Apostle Paul said, "...if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." (2nd Timothy 2:13) The best way to fully experience and appreciate the nearness of God, as a believer, is to follow the inspired admonition from the half-brother of Jesus, James, "Draw near  to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8) I'll let that be our take home assignment. Mine too.

 

I could say more. And, the wife would quickly add, "You usually do." I mentioned one time in the Bible study group about how many self-inflicted painful experiences have been my own fault. A lady responded by saying, "Tell us about all of them, Brother." And, that, my friend, can become our attitude as we adopt the inquiring minds want to know perspective. I told her that suffice to say God has often had to use His shaping tools on me. I think about the trip Jeremiah the Prophet of God made down to the potter's house. In the 18th chapter of the Book that bears his name, Jeremiah observed this: "1) The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2) “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 3) Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. 4) And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make." That vessel turned out to be an example of what God does with His own creation, in this illustration the nation of Israel. I've often thought about how God has had to use His corrective tools on me and this comes to mind. His re-shaping and correcting doesn't feel that great, but, His plan for each of His own is, as Dr. Charles Stanley used to say, "That we would become objects of notable excellence reflecting honor and glory back to God." (My recollection of his teaching, not an exact quote). My point? According to Hebrews chapter 12, God doesn't leave those who are His own alone, AND, He chastens those who belong to Him. Why? Because He loves them. Period. Oh my! Look at the time. We will soon need to receive the offering. Ha! This is what happens when whatever I had in mind to share left the building, you know, just like Elvis. Okay. Have a wonderfully God-blessed day and I will see next time, Lord willing. Amen.