Be a Doer not a Hearer
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers.”
–James 1:22 (NASB). Tonight on NBC Nightly News, they featured the many volunteers in Nashville who are helping neighbors and strangers recover from the floods. These people are definitely doers of the word. Out of sense of duty and love, people are driving to Nashville, crossing barriers, and even reaching out to complete strangers to help in a great time of need.
Another Good Day
A Good Day
I also find myself worrying because I am not sure this family can put this house back together again but they really do not have a choice. There is so much damage from the water and the house was not really meant to be refurbished but rather recycled. In the end, I just have to let it to God to provide and care for these folks.
We Are Nashville
e generosity and the spirit of compassion that is flowing through this great city. People are working together to rebuild and repair lives. People are praying together, working together, and loving each other. What a great place to live and work. I may not be a native Nashvillian but I am proud to be one now. Let’s keep it up and keep working together. In some ways, the way people have joined together to help one another is a reminder of the early church. People were working together to bring the kingdom of God forth by helping each other and serving each other. We have moved away from this in our modern culture with a “my church” and not “our church” mentality. I am pleased to see, at least for a time, that Nashvillians are coming together for a common goal of service. We are Nashville!A Good Week
It has been a good and profound week. I have felt the presence of God in many ways and I realize that I have been a tool in God’s work this week. I have been privileged to meet a wonderful family and serve them as they begin the recovery from the recent flooding. I am not sure how we really came into contact but it was a God thing. They had a need and I have been helping to fulfill it. I am amazed and blessed to be part of God’s work in this world.
I am sitting here and realizing that I had access to some folks who had the tools and abilities and the desire to help others. God brought me to a family that needed help. I realized that I can organize and plan and God brought me to a family that needed help. I realized that I wanted to do “real” ministry and God brought me to a family that needed help. I have been blessed to be used this week!
Continuing to Help
Here are some additional ways you can help the greater Nashville community continue to recover from the recent floods:
- Visit the Southeast Nashville Flood Volunteer Center at Antioch UMC or call 615-290-7785 for more information
- Food and cleaning supplies are being distributed from Antioch Church of Christ, 2142 Antioch Pike, to those impacted by the flood. 615-834-3063 Donations are needed of cleaning supplies: buckets, mops, brooms, bleach, gloves, hammers, prybars etc.
- Donate to the American Red Cross and make sure you note: Nashville Flood Relief
- Pray for those impacted, those helping, and those leading Nashville and surrounding areas in this difficult time.
Let’s Help Our Neighbors in Middle Tennessee
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To assist flood victims and recovery efforts in Metro Nashville, sign up at Hands on Nashville (http://www.hon.org/).
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To assist flood victims and recovery in Franklin/Williamson County, contact GraceWorks (email: cdublin@graceworksministries.com); in addition, you can donate food, diapers, and other household items to GraceWorks which will be distributed through the American Red Cross.
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The People’s Church has set up a page on Facebook (search TCP Flood Network) to allow people to connect with other folks who are in need of help or who can help.
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Samaritan’s Purse (http://www.samaritan.org/); the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/); and the Salvation Army (http://www.salvationarmy.org/) are accepting monetary donations on behalf of flood victims.
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The American Red Cross headquarters on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville is looking for volunteers to pack and distribute boxes of food to flood victims throughout Middle Tennessee.
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The Second Harvest Food Bank is also accepting food donations, monetary donations, and requesting help to box food supplies for flood victims.
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For those in Middle Tennessee, all 3 local network stations (ABC, NBC, & CBS) are running a telethon tonight and tomorrow night from 7:00 to 10:00 to raise money for the American Red Cross and the Second Harvest Food Bank.
“Whatever you did to the least of my people, you did for me” –Matthew 25:40
The Tongue of My Shoe
The tongue of your shoe often says more about than the tongue of your mouth.
Preach Jesus Always….
Preach Jesus always and when necessary use words.
In Awe
In those moments, I was grateful that my family and my “stuff” were safe but it was even more than that. In those moments of witnessing the power of water, I was reminded that God is God and God is in control. I heard the experts saying that they could control the flooding and prevent widespread damage but in the end, they couldn’t. I heard stories of people who thought they could get in the water and have fun and be safe but they could not. I watched news video of people who bought the million dollar view of the river and moved next to it only to experience the devastating power of rushing water.
God, my friends, is still God. We may think we have great power and control with our technology but we really are simply part of creation that was created by a Creator. Now, I am not saying that God is venegeful and sent this flood to destroy us. No, I am simply saying we need to be in awe of our God and realize that we really do not have the power and control that we think we do. It is a lesson in humility.
Floods
us. We made the tough decision not to head to church this morning because we are not sure we will be able to get home once we get. I will admit that at first I was annoyed and determined to get out but on second thought and realization, it is not a bad thing – in fact I think it is a God thing. It seems that maybe I needed to take some time and slow down. Maybe I needed to spend more time with my girls. Maybe I needed to spend more time with God and not necessarily in church. Whatever the case, I need to look on the bright side of things and be grateful for the break.Do I Need to Build an Ark?
The rains just keep coming down and coming down. I am in awe of the power of the water as you can see in this picture. The water has moved a walking bridge from its path and is doing some very serious damage. I pray that all those who are in the paths of the raging waters are safe and secure.
