Monday Morning Encouragement - August 29, 2005

Good morning! Like me I’m sure many of you have been watching the movements of hurricane Katrina. I think we are all awestruck by the devastating power of a storm like this. Can you imagine facing that type of destructive fury without having some advance notice? Fortunately in this day and age, we have the benefit of radar and satellite imagery that helps us track, predict and prepare for the impending storms.

Watches and warnings are meant for the safety of the public. The watch tells us to “look out” and the warning tells us to “take cover.” Watches and warnings have the potential to save countless lives, but they are only effective if acted upon.

Lets shift our focus to the destructive forces that are closing in on your life. Are you paying attention to the alerts in your life. Consider these words of caution:

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.

Look at those words…”Be careful! Watch out…” God is issuing a severe weather alert for life. He is preparing you for the attack…you know it is coming. Now the question is what are you doing about it?

Let’s focus on some precautionary steps each one of should be taking to “storm proof” our lives.

First of all stay in constant communication with God. So many of us neglect our prayer lives until we are in the middle of the storm. The time to establish contact isn’t when the waves are crashing in, but during the calm and peaceful times. A vibrant consistent prayer life, will strengthen you, prepare you and equip you for the challenges that lie ahead.

The second step is to anchor yourself with a solid foundation. Daily time in the Bible will equip you with truths that are applicable every day even in the face of changing circumstances. A firm foundation allows for a strong defensive stance or provides leverage for going on the offensive.

The final step is to surround yourself with people who can keep your head above the waves. So many of us try to fight through our storms without leaning on those people God has put around us. When I was a kid at camp we always were required to use the buddy system. As a buddy, you were responsible for the well being and safety of your “buddy.” Who is your buddy when you need a lifeline, a helping hand, or simply a word of affirmation?

As hurricane Katrina comes on shore, lets keep those affected in our prayers.

This week pay heed to the watches and warnings God sends your way. Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl