Ike's Wake

Whew!  What a crazy few weeks we have endured!  Only two weeks since having our brand new baby boy and we have experienced two evacuations, the preparation/cancellation of our major anniversary conference, and Hurricane Ike with it's devastating effects on our community.  I feel like I've been beat up and run over by a few semi-trucks...I know I'm not alone by any means!  We are in Pensacola and safe.  Our home seems to be unharmed from the reports we've received - thank the Lord.  We are broken about what we are seeing on the news, internet, and via phone/email, but know the goodness of God will prevail.

I'm hearing reports from many of our friends and church family - some good and some not so good.  We must come together and pray for Southeast Texas, the Greater Houston area, and all of our friends and family members who are facing extended evacuation and much work when they return.  Our four Triumph Church congregations, pastors and leaders, church family, and facilities need the grace of God now more than ever.  We experienced similar circumstances not too long ago, and in spite of how things looked at first glance, after the fact, we could all attest to God's miraculous power to turn the worst mess into the greatest blessing.  No doubt, He'll do it again!

Please POST A COMMENT on the blog (if you get this via email, you'll need to click to go to the actual blog to post) and let everyone know how you are doing.  MOST IMPORTANTLY let's use it as a prayer chain where people can refer to this posting for encouragement, scripture, and prayer needs.

Let this passage from Isaiah 54 be a faith target for you as you walk through the next few days, weeks, etc.  Hold on to it as a promise from the Lord...

10 For the mountains may move
      and the hills disappear,
   but even then my faithful love for you will remain.
      My covenant of blessing will never be broken,”
      says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

 11 “O storm-battered city,
      troubled and desolate!
   I will rebuild you with precious jewels
      and make your foundations from lapis lazuli.
 12 I will make your towers of sparkling rubies,
      your gates of shining gems,
      and your walls of precious stones.

God is ALWAYS faithful!  He never blessed storms or used them to "teach" us something.  He DOES, however, "work all things to our good" and we know that "no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.  This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD (Is. 54:17)  Let's resist fear, anxiety, worry, and despair and put our hope and trust in the Lord.