My parents live in the midwest, Kansas to be exact, and as most people know that is the general area known as "tornado alley". Every spring tornados show up in varying strength and frequency, because that area of the country is in the perfect location for cold air and hot air to collide and cause twisters. If you have been watching the news I am sure you have seen that along with tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, and oil spills; there has been an increase in the ferocity of the spring twisters. Numbers of people have lost their lives added to the number who were lost in the other calamities that were mentioned. Seems like we are indeed living in an "odd" time with regards to the weather. I know that it is trendy now to attribute it all to "global warming" (or cooling) and use each of these disasters as another piece of evidence that man has messed the planet up. Can I just say, while I have my doubts on global warming, I do agree that man has generally messed things up. You see there are both spiritual and natural repercussions with regards to our neglect of God and our unrighteous ways. Things reverberate through the spiritual realm only to manifest in the natural realm. I know, the media and the intellectuals will laugh at that last statement, but I believe it to be true. You cannot fly in the face of God and spit at Him without eventually it hitting you in the face.

The Bible tells us some interesting things about the ways of God. There is not nearly as much "chance" as some might suspect. God is ruling over everything and stands unchallenged in all things whether they be in heaven or on earth (EPHESIANS 1:11, COLOSSIANS 1:15-17). What we have watched on our television screens with high definition clarity is God trying to talk to us about our lives, direction, and His place in all of that. Consider what the Bible says about how God controls what goes on around us:

He rules the hearts of kings and leaders - Proverbs 21:1
He determines all authority - Romans 13:1
He sets up and disposes of rulers - Daniel 2:21
He determines where men live - Acts 17:26
He determines the times set for men - Acts 17:27
He controls the weather - Psalm 147:8, 15-18; 148:8
He controls the times and seasons - Daniel 2:21
He controls the animals - Psalm 8:6-8, Isaiah 50:11
He creates disaster - Isaiah 45:7
He does as He pleases with the peoples of the earth - Daniel 4:35
He determines the outcomes of wars - Proverbs 21:31

Quite a list, huh?

When I consider the time we have spent as a nation running from the goodness of God, I am amazed at the patience and long-suffering nature of the Lord. He truly is unwilling that any should perish and desires that all turn to Him. However, as I have often said, while God is long-suffering, this does not mean He is "eternally-suffering". There is a point when even the patience of God wears out. The Bible is replete with stories reminding us that there is a day of reckoning and all of us will face a just and holy God. His mercy endures for generations...yes! But don't be presumptuous with it. Even God has His limits.

I guess the recent outbreak of tornados has made me ponder again if we have pushed the lines of God's mercy and brought ourselves to the place where we have forced Him to lift His hand of protection off our nation? How long can we capitulate to false Gods and spurn the true God without there being a reverberation? I will never forget a sermon I heard years ago from Leonard Ravenhill entitled, "Sodom had no Bible". He mentioned all the chances God gave Sodom to repent and turn back to Him, but they refused. The day of reckoning came and the city was destroyed. But what would God do to a nation that had His Word and His clear direction, solutions, and answers and yet still refuses to honor Him and serve Him? If He does not eventually deal with America, He would have to apologize to Sodom.

I wonder if God is trying to get our attention? I wonder if He is trying to call us back again to himself through the pain of affliction? Could it be that these wars, disasters, and rulers are only symptoms of something much more important and deeper? I tend to think so. My feeling is that we need less financial stimulus and more spiritual stimulus. Rather than chasing the almighty dollar it is time to practice what the dollar says on it: In God We Trust.

Forecastors are telling us that this hurricane season could be busier than usual. My instincts tell me that they may be right this time. I want to encourage you to join with me in interceeding that God will find His covenant of "salty" Christians in order to aleviate the ever increasing issues we are facing as a nation. Pray that the church arises and that the passion of revival consumes her in order for one more generation to have a shot at proclaiming the gospel. We can debate over the issue of whether God causes or allows some things, but the bottom line is that we need Him to cover our lives and this nation as we appear to be navigating some perilous times. The irony and paradox is, that despite what is happening in our nation, there is a window of His favor for us to continue to do the work of the ministry. I am grateful, humbled, and appreciative to the Lord for that paradox. These are amazing, miraculous days. I hope each one that reads this will take the time to hear HIS voice as well. The earth is groaning (ROMANS 8:19-21).

Still Planting a Cross,

Pastor