thank god, he's a refuge!

Psalm 46:1 tells us that "God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble." What comforting words those are for the times in which we live! This world is hopeless and of no comfort or help for the people in it. 

17 lives were completely changed, in a moment, all of a sudden, without warning, yesterday, when a shooter came to a High School and started shooting students. We have heard this story before on too many occasions. It is more than tragic! There are no words! I don't know if any knew the Lord, but prayer is needed for the families of the victims.

All of the news anchors and commentators all ended up saying the same thing....in so many words, no one knows what to do about the senseless killings of our youth. As I listened, I sensed the hopelessness and confusion in the voices of everyone who had something to say. 

God is the only refuge for a dying world. Sin rules, and will continue to rule. When God, in the Garden of Eden, said to Adam and Eve, "What is this that thou hast done?", they could have never entered into the potency, the depth, or even a microcosm of what God was actually saying to them. Their one act of disobedience, plunged all of the world and creation into sin. Sin that has unfolded more and more, down through the ages. The face of sin has a dark, dark, evil, and satanic hold upon the earth. Its victims are leaving this earth and ending up in a Christ-less eternity.

Satan has targeted our youth! It usually starts from within the family structure. Once he has the family, he undoubtedly gets their children. There are many young people who are greatly troubled deep within. They act out and satan fills their hearts with evil and uses them like puppets on a string. But for the grace of God, go I.

As a painter/artist, I am often inspired to paint stories that bring hope or healing or something positive and good. I am presently working on a collage piece that speaks to our need to 'Catch A Child'. Each one of us are in a position to take at least one young person under our wing to mentor them, to encourage them, or to assist them in any way that we can. I strongly suggest we take that ministry up. I'm speaking about sacrificing our own precious time to work with them outside of the church walls!!! Ask God to give you a young person, suited for you, one who can benefit from your testimony, and experiences in your life.

We already know that Jesus is the answer for the world today. We know what He is able to do. Let's be a part of the healing process in a sin sick, and dying world! 

Time is winding down, and we are closer and closer to our eternal home. Let's make the mark we are suppose to make on the planet while there is still time, while we yet have breath, while it is still day!