Thursday, February 9, 2023

Pastor's Ponderings, February 9, 2023

Let’s Pray For God’s Intervention

 

Mehmet Guzel, Ghaith Alsayed and Suzan Fraser wrote an article in the Huffington Post Associated Press on February 5, 2023, saying Rescuers Scramble In Turkey, Syria As Earthquake Death Toll Passes 5,000

The article says that thousands of buildings were brought down by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks that struck eastern Turkey and neighboring Syria.  According to the Wall Street Journal, as of February 9, that number had increased to 19,000. Sad to say, some 18,000 were killed in similarly powerful earthquakes that hit northwest Turkey in 1999.

 

During these terrible events when our mankind is suffering, the usual comments are “thoughts and prayers”.  However, we should also mourn with those who are mourning (Romans 12:15). The Bible also says that we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17 and that there is power in prayer (James 5:16).  When we hear of such horror, the saints should take responsibility to humble themselves and turn from their ways so that God can heal the land (2 Chronicles 7:14).  

 

No one knows but God why tragedies occur, but now is the time to push past political, ethnical, racial, and geographic differences and recognize that we are our brother’s keeper.  Now is the time for us to give our anxiety, care, and concern to Him (1 Peter 5:7). We must intercede by prayer, send physical aid and resources, contact international aid organizations, and ask God how we can truly serve our suffering brothers and sisters.  He promised if we ask Him, He will share His wisdom with us (James 1:5).  Let’s pray for our brothers and sisters everywhere. 

 

Romans 12:15

New International Version

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

New International Version

17 pray continually

 

James 5:16

New Life Version

16 Tell your sins to each other. And pray for each other so you may be healed. The prayer from the heart of a man right with God has much power

2 Chronicles 7:14

New International Version

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 

1 Peter 5:7

New International Version

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

 

James 1:5

New International Version

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you


 

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