(Photo courtesy of The Hill)

This has been a summer of record-high temperatures across the U.S. and elsewhere, drought-like conditions due to lack of rain, and wildfires burning out-of-control in Canada, Maui, and other parts of our country. A Google search revealed that over 534,000 acres have burned this year. So many people and animals have been affected that the weather forecast usually leads the news in many areas.

These HOT conditions remind me that the Bible prophesies the end of this world by fire – it will be utterly destroyed. That’s not a comforting thought unless you also know and have acted upon another truth from the Bible: those saved by Jesus’ sacrifice for them will be safe in heaven. Do you know for certain that you have accepted Him as your Savior, repented of your sins, and are trying to live according to the way the Bible describes? If not, don’t wait. You are loved by God Who provided a way for you to be saved through His Son. Jesus himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Tomorrow is not promised.

God bless – Sue

The “Voices” just returned from a busy vacation together, visiting attractions we had talked about seeing almost six years ago – The Ark Encounter, Creation Museum, and Dollywood. Our final stop before taking off for home in different directions was The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC.

What an awesome experience to watch Billy Graham preach once again via the film clips the library highlighted. Every room not only showed examples of his life story, but also his fervor for evangelism, as he preached the Gospel around the world. In multiple countries, Dr. Graham explained the saving power of Jesus that all of us need because of our sin. No one will ever know how many peoples’ lives were changed by hearing Dr. Graham’s sermons, reading his books, or listening to the many interviews he gave.

I was struck by the fact that one country, dairy-farmer’s son made such a world-wide impact by allowing God to use him. I also noticed the timeline of events that eventually led Billy Graham to his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Savior – a decision that started everything else. Few of the people in this timeline (posted below) were famous, but each played an important role in Dr. Graham’s amazing story. It revealed to me that every life lived for Christ can make a difference.

If you have a chance to visit the Billy Graham Library, please do. You will leave feeling inspired by this well-lived life, and possibly encouraged to make a difference as well.

(photo courtesy of Graham library)

God bless – Sue

It’s been a busy 8+ days for some of us at my small church. We are a neighborhood-minded congregation, and sometimes our outreach programs overlap. That’s what happened this year as our Food Pantry packing efforts/give-away happened at the same time many of us were preparing and conducting this year’s Vacation Bible School. So the days were full of room and church decorating plus packing over 100 bags of non-perishables and hygiene items for our drive-thru give-away while also holding a block party on the Saturday before VBS week to register children. The schedule went as follows: Prepare five days of lessons, decorate rooms and sanctuary, hold block party, pack food pantry bags, welcome children to the Monday thru Friday activities of VBS that taught kids of God’s love, Jesus’ sacrifice for them, and the plans/purpose God has for their lives, undecorate and clean, then have our 3rd Saturday Food Pantry event.

To say my husband and I (and others) are tired is an understatement, but it’s such a good tired. Watching children enjoy fun activities and learn important truths, then help feed those who need extra food to last through the month not only fills a tired body with energy, but also fills the soul with satisfaction. I’m very thankful that I was able to participate. Now it’s time for a nap . . . or two!

God bless – Sue

One of my favorite things to do in the evening is to watch the TV game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. I figure that it doesn’t hurt to improve my mind by solving puzzles and guessing answers to varied and obscure questions. However, several weeks ago I was literally shocked at what happened on that question/answer show. The category of one of the series of questions was about Biblical knowledge, and the easiest question – the one worth $200 – asked, “What is the missing word in this statement: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, (blank) be thy name.'” The contestants had to buzz in and put the correct answer in the blank which was, “What is hallowed.” The silence was deafening. None of the three people who had been selected for this televised program due to testing and superior knowlege had the answer to probably the most famous prayer in the world. I couldn’t believe it! My mind was filled with questions.

Was this an anomaly, something that goes against the norm, or do a lot of people today not have basic Biblical knowledge? Is the most fundamental prayer of all time, which Jesus taught His disciples, now largely unknown? Do we still teach it to our children? If the Lord’s Prayer is unknown, is Jesus’ teaching of the most important of God’s commandments also missing to many – the one about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37)? Maybe that above all else explains the condition of the world today and people in general. Obviously days later I’m still troubled enough to write about this situation and liken it to actual jeopardy for so many. May God help us to focus on and learn about Him.

God bless – Sue

This week the attention of many people has been focused on the tragic news story concerning the whereabouts of the OceanGate Titan submersible. Social media site postings were full of comments concerning the plight of the five passengers aboard the missing craft. I couldn’t believe or understand why some people were writing such negative things about those who had decided to take an expensive, deep dive to view the wreckage of the Titanic. One comment said, “It serves them right.” Another lamented the cost of the trip and what that money, $250,000, could have done to help others. Thankfully there were those who chose to view the situation with sadness and prayers for all involved.

I think our society needs to take a close look at what is happening to people in this day and age. The sub’s design and lack of safety will be analyzed in the days ahead – a post mortum of sorts. I choose to focus on that term, which is defined as an “examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death,” as it reflects on those insensitive responses to the misfortunes of others. Is humanity’s compassion and mercy a thing of the past? If so, we’re doomed.

I’m reminded of Micah 6:8 in the Bible. It might be good to meditate on those words.

God bless – Sue