Today’s Troubles Will Test Us

        Lots of words describe trouble:  disaster, forest fire, robbery, wreck, flood, attack, tragedy, violence.   Today’s newspapers and the latest TV and Internet reports bring us a huge list of troubles from here and around the world. 

        What’s the logical thing to do?  Perhaps turn off the TV after an hour of the bad news?  Or, look into the cause and effect of some of the troubles that pique our interest?  Maybe write to our senators, our representatives, and post to social media websites?

        Today’s troubles will test us.  That same fact has applied to each person, even way, way, way back in the olden days.  God allows calamities, disease, failures, wars to get our attention. 

Today's News Is About Terrible Things -- So What?

       Today’s news programs were “normal.” From TV reports to Internet sites there wasn’t any “good” news around the world. Interviews involved picking out a few comments to argue about vehemently for a short time. 

        How do you and I respond?  

1. Turn off the news and avoid thinking about it?  Emotionally and intellectually deny the powerful, horrible truth of what’s going on?

2. Or, give at least one news report a quick listen so we can act like we’re keeping up with the various situations; we’re not careless or stupid?

3. Or, immerse ourselves in all the details we can find in print and on-line?  This way we can show up all the people we might talk with?  We know more facts and opinions of famous people?

       What’s our motive?  Do we have a plan, a goal? Or, is watching the news just a habit that launches the day?

       Does it really matter?  Does what I choose, what I do make any difference in the “big picture” of life? 

         As people who care what’s going on many of us miss our “assignment.”  We are to pray for the misled people to awaken to the truth of good and evil. Pray for the “bad” people to repent of their sins and to hear the good news of the truth of God’s Word.  Judgment from God brings them troubles which are meant to emphasize their need of God:  repent before they die and face eternal consequences.     

        Here’s a few Bible verses to get you started in this calling, 
this challenge to pray for others: 

Memorial Day 2015

        The stirring sounds of music from the PBS annual Memorial Day Concert both lifts the spirit and challenges the heart.  We acknowledge those who serve our country in the armed forces,  those who died, those who are were wounded and are disabled and still healing, as well as those now in active service. What an example of dedication.  What a reminder to pray for each man and woman and their families.  What a reminder to pray for our leaders.  

Watching the 6 p.m. War

Bravely they smile for the camera,
so young and ready to prove their worth;
Pawns in a bloody struggle
they march to the ends of the earth

Helplessly we watch them go,
and wonder if or when they'll die;