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N0KFQ > PONDER 28.08.17 17:51l 74 Lines 3471 Bytes #999 (0) @ USA
BID : 42923_N0KFQ
Read: GUEST
Subj: Why Whirlwinds?
Path: ON0AR<VE2PKT<XE1FH<CX2SA<N6RME<N0KFQ
Sent: 170828/1816Z 42923@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA BPQ6.0.14
Why Whirlwinds?
The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will
not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are
the dust of his feet -
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for
those who trust in Him -- --Nahum 1:3,7
By the time you read this, I hope whirlwind Harvey and the
accompanying tornadoes have subsided in Texas. There will be
plenty of stories of destruction and amazing stories of rescues,
spared properties and lives. In all that chaos of wind and
waters, the Bible tells us that "God has His way." He is
sovereign over all the elements of His creation and nothing
happens outside of His control and will (Romans 11:36). Such
violence in nature and even in wars (the affairs of men) would
lead one to believe that He is angry. He is angry -- against the
sin of man -- and He administers both His grace and His justice
in perfect, divine proportion. He should be both praised and
feared by His creatures. He is God. He is good and he cares for
those who trust in Him.
We often despair when our temporary dwellings are threatened --
be they property or person. But we forget that they are only
"temporary." God speaks to us from the perspective of eternity.
He is the Deliverer of His children and He promises us so. He
can shield and preserve through any danger. The Psalmist said
that he who "dwells" in the shelter of the Most High, making God
His refuge and fortress, will be saved from the snares of men,
disease, terror by night and the arrow that flies by day (war).
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right
hand, but it will not come near thee (Psalm 91:7) -- but you will
observe the punishment of the wicked. It continues to say, "no
harm will befall you, as He commands His angels to guard all your
ways" (vs10-11). Because he loves me, says the LORD, "I will
rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He
will call upon me, and I will answer him, I will be with him in
trouble, I will deliver him and honor him, and with long life
will I satisfy him and show him my salvation (vs14-16). God is
good and He always delivers His own -- from the temporal unto
eternity.
Jesus gave His disciples the same amazing promise. Hear His
words as He frankly told them of the tribulations they would face
in His service. They would be persecuted, arrested, put in
prisons, betrayed even by friends and family and sometimes put to
death -- "BUT not a hair of your head will perish. By standing
firm you will gain life" (Luke 21:12-19). Jesus was speaking of
eternal life and nothing is lost in that blessed continuum.
Why are there whirlwinds and wars? To judge sinners and purify
saints. To teach us what is temporary and fleeting -- and what
is ultimately meaningful and everlasting. We were made for God
and when we live life for self and vanities, it is His mercy to
turn us from them and back to Himself. Those who love Him and
make Him "their dwelling" -- can have their fears turned into
peace no matter the circumstance. He delivers His own.
Do you have that security? Is God your Father? Are you His
child? It all begins with faith in His Son sent for your
salvation (John 3:16). Love Him who first loved you and you'll
need fear nothing else (John 16:33).
++Got questions? Read the Bible. 605-295-2513++
"What the Bible Says.." By Mike Patrick KI5CT
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