Today is Monday, August 28th, 2017; Karen's Korner #3630

Last Monday the news was all about the eclipse. This week it is all about Hurricane Harvey.

One seemed totally calculated and 'in control'. The other seems like it is 'out of control'.

Does either shock God? He controls both!

We knew ahead of time and prepared for the eclipse. Many ran to get a better picture of it. We were alerted to the impending hurricane and made quick plans to avoid as much disaster as possible.

But God can use both! Many times we don't understand 'bad' things. And we certainly don't like them! God tells us 'all that happens to us is working for our good if we love Him and are fitting into His plans' (Romans 8:28 LAB). Sounds pretty optimistic; maybe even cruel at times. But we so often are overly concerned about our here and now; God is concerned about today but more so about all of our tomorrows, into eternity! Sometimes 'bad things' make us take a second look at a longer range picture.

During the eclipse, the sun never stopped shining. It was the moon that moved in front of it.......and caused everything (in the total eclipse route) to go completely dark. Just as quickly, the moon moved out of the way.

Same is true for God and how he operates. Sometimes the 'Light of His Love' is obstructed, for a short time by something that covers His Light.

Let's pray today for everyone affected in any way by Hurricane Harvey. Let's pray that the predicted rains are less than the weather forecasters project. Let's pray that all of us can work together as we lessen the negative impacts to people. Let's look for miracles in the midst of the storm. Help us to look, listen and thank God for so many things. Like the absence of nearly any loss of life. And our list could go on.......

We sang this song at worship service yesterday. Here are a couple of its verses:

Shine Jesus Shine

By Crystal Lewis


Lord the light of Your love is shining

In the midst of the darkness, shining

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us

Set us free by the truth You now bring us

Shine on me

Shine on me


Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father's glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze, Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth Your Word, Lord. And let there be light

***


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