Jesus Calling: Pray for Texas!

This past week, as I prepared for a sermon on Psalm 133, it came to my knowledge that rain was not part of the experience of Adam and Eve. Instead of rain, God sent the dew to water their fields. The first mention of rain falling was in the time of Noah (Genesis 7-9). God caused the rain to fall for 40 days and 40 nights non-stop. There was flood but there was no effective relief. All mankind but Noah and his family perished. God was gracious to Noah and saved him, together with his family.

As we think of the Hurricane Harvey and its unprecedented flood in Texas, we find comfort and hope in God’s promise to Noah never to destroy the whole earth with flood. Hence the good news -Texas will overcome!

As followers of Jesus, we are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). In moments like this, Jesus calling to compassion gets louder than ever. Below are a few ways that we can respond:

PRAY- Pray for the people, the churches and the institutions affected. Pray for hope, healing and restoration.

SERVE – Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Go! Volunteer your time and skills to serve in Texas. Join the World Renew or the Christian Disaster response organization of your church or denomination. Being present alone inspires hope.

SHARE – Share God’s love by giving of your resources. Donate to Disaster Response organizations to help them bring relief to Texas.

- Share God’s word with a neighbor or friend or stranger. Just as Noah spoke to his generation about possible escape from the impending flood, share about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as the escape that God has provided for his last judgement on sin.

- Share with kids, the story of Noah, the love of God for all peoples and the people of Texas and God’s plan of salvation.

Jesus is calling!

What you do in response counts!