In the Aftermath of the Mega-Storm? Pray!

Let us be in prayer today following the aftermath of the Mega-storm named "Sandy" that hit the east coast of the United States last evening. The storm surge in lower Manhattan, New York City, produced the highest tide there since the year 1821.

Our daughter and her husband who live in a 5th floor apartment in lower Manhattan just contacted us a few minutes ago to say the high water is beginning to recede and except for a loss of electricity they are fine. In her words, "It's less scary now."

Devastation will be assessed in many of the north eastern states as the day unfolds. Loss of life is already being reported. Also, the stubborn storm is still wreaking havoc as it continues to move inland. Especially, those in low-lying regions are experiencing hardship unique to their own experiences. Let us pray for those who await rescue and for those who will arrive to rescue.

This song link pasted below by Kathryn Scott is on my heart this morning. Maybe some in the wake of this severe weather will listen and be encouraged and know that they are loved and there is Hope..

Click here: I Belong - Kathryn Scott - YouTube

Please, Lord have mercy... and speak to us "Peace be still."
Grateful

Overcoming Power & Underlying Peace

Can I be very transparent? Life's complexities have a way of sometimes paralyzing my mind-set. So I pray desperately and nonstop:

Lord, please overwhelm life's complexities and give to me Your overcoming power and Your underlying peace... for today and for forever. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click here: God Be in My Head - Jared Anderson - YouTube

Lord, speak nonstop to my soul, "Peace be still".
Grateful

The Sailor's 23rd Psalm

I was raised on an island where the sea meets the land. The imagery that inspires me most deeply is ocean imagery. I recently found in my research this sailor's paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm. I hope it encourages you as it does me:

The Lord is my Pilot, I shall not drift.
He guides me across the dark waters.
He steers me through deep channels.
He keeps my log.
Yea, though I sail ‘mid the thunders
and tempest of life,
I shall dread no anger, for He is with me;
His love and His care, shelter me.
He prepares a quiet harbor before me.
He anoints the waves with oil
My ship rides calmly.
Surely sunlight and starlight
shall guide me on the voyage I take,
And I will rest in the Heaven's port forever.

Here's a favorite old song of Seaside souls:
Click here: YouTube - Bessie Griffin: Old Ship Of Zion

Peace, be still...
Grateful

If This Sea Could Speak

Sitting along the banks of The Sea of Galilee, one desires to have a conversation with the waves. Imagining all of the miracles that Jesus performed around this body of water is wondrously overwhemling. If there are three words that echo from this famous, fresh-water lake, those three words are the words the Master of the Sea spoke as his disciples awoke him from His sweet sleep in the midst of a storm: Peace. Be Still. Yes, if this sea could speak, those three comforting words would have to be its message to us.

Lord, as sure as the sun rises over The Sea of Galilee, storms are sure to come our way. Help our unbelief. Let us have ears-wide-open to hear Your delightful declaration: Peace. Be Still. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

Facing Fear? Pray: "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me!"

I woke up early this morning in a deep spirit of personal prayer. These six words of comfort and assurance from God's Word in Proverbs 3:25 (NIV) were on my mind as I inhaled and exhaled the presence of my Lord: Have no fear of sudden disaster!

When I went to bed last night, the words of an old hymn of the church were among my last thoughts. This hymn was sung at my Grandaddy Gray's homegoing service when I was in the seventh grade. My granddaddy, a boat captain, recognized, like every wise boat captain recognizes, Jesus is the Pilot. Hear now the words of the hymn and have no fear of sudden disaster:

Jesus, Savior, pilot me over life's tempestuous sea;
unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
boisterous waves obey Thy will, when thou sayest to them, "Be still!"
Wondrous Sovreign of the Sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar
'twixt me and the peaceful rest, then, while leaning on Thy breast,
may I hear Thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful