Category Archives: In the News
What’s Worse than a Cat 4 Hurricane? #Katrina
In reflecting upon Hurricane Katrina, many of us realized that though our lives were devastated there were many positive effects. I can’t count the times I’ve heard from people that Katrina helped them and gave them a new outlook on life. Many admit that Katrina was an eye opener. What’s worse than a Hurricane Katrina? Sin and selfishness.
- Katrina opened my eyes to the needs around me. Sin and selfishness blinds me to the needs around me. Many people realized for the first time that they could help others and that there was joy in helping others.
- Katrina opened my eyes to my need for God. Sin and selfishness blinds me to my need for God. God’s address is at the end of our rope. Katrina brought many Gulf Coast residence to the end of our ropes. Some for the first time. That’s the beginning point for building a healthy relationship with God and others.
- Katrina brought me closer to God & others. Sin and selfishness distances me from God & others. We now know our neighbors and realize that we need them and some of us even realized that we like them!
The good news is that we don’t have to go through a Cat 4 Hurricane to have our eyes opened. We can humble ourselves, come to end of our rope, AND let go and find ourselves close to God, close to others, and making a positive difference on those in need around us. God provided a way for us to know this life through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:18). He suffered for us (1 Peter 2:24), taking our pain and guilt and death. My eyes have been opened as I’ve looked to Him (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Helpful Links
- Praying this article is widely read – 10 Reasons to Partner in Planting Now
- Al Mohler spent some time with Acts 29 guys and weighs in
- This is the kind of church I want to be a part of too…
- Does size matter? This is a helpful reminder for every church leader.
- I know it’s not Thanksgiving yet, but I’m going to keep this Tozer piece close by this Christmas
Top Ten Reasons Hurricane Season is Like Christmas
Some Diversionary Humor
Top Ten Reasons Hurricane Season Is Like Christmas
10. Decorating the house (with plywood).
9. Dragging out boxes that haven’t been used since last season.
8. Last minute shopping in crowded stores.
7. Regular TV shows pre-empted for ‘Specials’.
6. Family coming to stay with you.
5. Family and friends from out of state calling you.
4. Buying food you don’t normally buy . . . and in large quantities.
3. Days off from work.
2. Candles.
1. And the Number One reason Hurricane Season is like Christmas: At some point you may have a tree in your house!
“A cheerful heart is good medicine…” Proverbs 17:22
Chain Saw Crews Needed
If your church or men’s group is looking for a great missions project, let me suggest bringing a team to South Louisiana to help with disaster recovery. The Greater Baton Rouge area lost a lot of trees and many people are in need of help removing them from their homes and yards. This also is a great way to help a local church meet the needs of its community in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.
If you don’t know where to go or who to call, let me suggest Fellowship Church in Prairieville, LA. They are located on Hwy. 73, near I-10, just south of Baton Rouge, LA. Our church
sent a group over last Saturday. We removed four trees from three different lawns for people that could not have done it on their own. We were able to pray with and encourage the families as well. I know from experience (click here) that when you are in the midst of a disaster, those trees seem a lot bigger than they actually are. Serving in this way can give someone immediate hope in a time of crisis.
Email me if you need more information. Or call Fellowship Church at 225-673-4735 or 225-572-8933. For other disaster relief opportunities contact the Louisiana Baptist Convention at 1.877.487.4658.
Hurricane Gustav in Waldheim, a personal journal
Lopez Lomong: An Unbelievable Olympic Story
My favorite olympic story thus far is that of Lopez Lomong, a Sudanese refugee who ran his way into the United States and into the 2008 Olympics. He carried the flag for Team USA during Friday night’s opening ceremony. He was one of Sudan’s Lost Boys. His story is well worth reading. Also, see his olympic bio. Also, check out his personal website here.
I’ll be rooting for him as he competes in the 1500 meter run beginning August 15th.
Remembering Katrina
Forty-five miles north of New Orleans on August 29th, 2005, a small community in St. Tammany Parish was reeling from devastating tree damage. The Waldheim area lost 30% or more of its trees and near 100% of homes were damaged in some way. The smell of pine sap is forever entrenched in my nostrils as well as the sound of our 125K Generator at Hope Church of Waldheim, where we were without electricity for 10 weeks. Today, our cell phones work better and there are more flowers and more grass to cut, because of fewer trees. I am thankful to the countless groups of volunteers that made mounds of saw dust in our area and continue to come and help rebuild our community. Here are a few pictures from Waldheim/North Covington in the months after the storm.
This van was left in our church parking lot by evacuees from St. Bernard Parish.
The Bible on treatment of Animals
Someone ask me this question this morning, “What does the Bible say about pets?”
I like Proverbs 12:10.
(ESV) Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
(HCSB) A righteous man cares about his animal’s health, but [even] the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.
(NLT) The godly are concerned for the welfare of their animals, but even the kindness of the wicked is cruel.
(The Message) Good people are good to their animals; the “good-hearted” bad people kick and abuse them.
Enough said!
In the News: A Skeleton in God’s Closet
Don’t fret over James Cameron’s claims to have found Jesus. Here’s some links to some helpful info about this “Breaking News.”
A brief and concise argument from Paul Meier, noted scholar of Ancient Archaeology and professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He actually authored a fictional book about this scenario called “A Skeleton in God’s Closet.” Those of you at Hope Church who went through our DaVinci Code Small Group study may remember Dr. Meier. Click here for a link to his concise and helpful comments.
For extended reading see James White’s site, www.aomin.org. Updated regularly.
I’m sure we’ll be celebrating on Easter Sunday.
Lane Corley 