The World Can Be A Strange and Dangerous Place.

 In 1919 the Great Boston Molasses Flood began when a large molasses storage tank burst. A wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph, killing 21 people. In 1410, Martin of Aragon died from laughing uncontrollably after a joke by his jester. What a way to go!
    We are in a time of bizarre & unusual troubles. At such a time, many often wonder “Why does God let bad things happen?” Is it God's judgment? The reality is that Creation has been judged already and is not the Garden of Eden anymore. Nor can it be, despite the predictions of politicos promising paradise. Storms, unrest, "pestilence", etc. are natural in a fallen world. And yes, they should remind us that if we’re self-absorbed and plain arrogant enough to dump God’s truth, a fallen world is the best we’ll get! (But don't be a pessimist, the world can be a particularly beautiful place--just remember that the world at its best is a faint glimmer of Heaven!) Still, the sad and the bad should point us toward the reality of Eternity and encourage us to accept Jesus as Savior so we will get there!
    In looking at dealing with current troubles, Psalm 91: 5-6 says: "You will not fear the terror of night,... nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday."
    Some think we will escape difficult times as a Christian. But one follower of Jesus Christ put it this way: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2Cor4:8) Experience tells us that we will know problems in life. However, if we go through them while knowing God, we can react to them with a different perspective and with a strength that is not our own. We need not be fearful, angry, hopeless. No problem has the capacity to be insurmountable to God. He is bigger than all the problems that can hit us. We are not to be fatalistic victims of circumstance, left alone to deal with them, but know that “As the heavens are higher than the earth,    so are my ways higher than your ways,    and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9)
    Some of the most powerful verses in the Bible were penned when God's people were experiencing strife, danger, or heartache. Without Christ, we will be confused by things that convey Eternal truths and opportunities for strength beyond ourselves. From an earthly perspective, we can’t always perceive opportunities to grow closer to God. He intends that we come toward him and away from valuing the world's values, stuff or personalities.
    It's essential to have confidence that God is not only present, but in charge. And that Jesus--as promised--is with us. (MT 28: 20)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Pastor Geoff                                                            "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the    Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I  have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."                                                                                                                                               Matthew 28:19-20