Author: imikemedia

The story is told of a young child who foolishly had climbed on top of the house. It was a metal roof, years ago called a tin roof, and each piece was held in place by several nails readily visible. The boy slipped and was sliding down the roof and knew he would be injured when he fell. He remembered the Bible class he had attended just days before where prayer had been discussed. So, as he was sliding, he prayed, “God help me.” Those words had scarcely been uttered and then were followed by these, “That’s all right, God, I do not need Your help; my pants caught on one of the nails and stopped me.”

Who will you call when you fall? Who will you thank when you don’t?

That boy’s response was like that of Pharaoh when the plagues came on the Egyptians. When the second plague of frogs came, the king called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Entreat the Lord…and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the Lord.” God removed the frogs. “But when Pharaoh saw there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them” (Ex. 8:8, 15).

When the fourth plague of flies came it happened again. The king said, “I will let you go that you may sacrifice to the Lord your God…intercede for me.” Every single fly was removed. “But Pharaoh hardened his heart again at this time also” (Ex. 8:28, 32). He was like the boy on the rooftop who called out to God asking for His help, but when help came he told God to forget his first prayer.

I can imagine what might repeatedly happen in this land in the coming months in the lives of those who never have had a place for God. There will be those who will be in a difficult financial crisis and begin to pray to God for the first time. There may be those who have friends and family members who become infected with the virus and in desperation will pray to God. They may even make promises to God that if He will help them, they will serve Him forever. When better times come, they will say to God, “Forget it, God, I no longer need you.”

Turning to the Lord is far more that crying out to a Rescuer when trouble comes. He is a Rescuer, but He is Lord. He is Master. He is the Ruler of all His creation. He is the only Way. He is the Shepherd who demands His sheep follow Him. We are not at liberty to select only those traits of God we like and ignore the rest.

Meditate on these two verses. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears open to their prayers” (1 Pet. 3:12). “He who turns his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination” (Prov. 28:9).  As trials are coming toward us, make sure you are serving Him before they arrive. God has His “nails of rescue,” but He only promises them to those who serve Him all the time. Dan Jenkins

“God loves you and I love you and that’s the way it’s gonna be!” – Mike

During a terrible storm on the ocean, a small passenger ship rolled precariously in the roaring tempest. The furniture and anything else that could move was tied down, and the passengers were confined to their bunks for their own safety. Many on board thought the vessel was doomed.

Finally, a passenger who was determined to find out if there was any hope for survival, set out to see the one who was in command. Clinging to the walls and handrails, he made his way to the wave-lashed deck, up a ladder, and into the wheelhouse. He noticed that the ship was nearing land and was between some jagged rocks. It became apparent that the captain was trying to reach the safety of a calm bay up ahead. Knowing he could not make himself heard above the roar of the wind and waves, the captain just turned wordlessly to the worried passenger and smiled. Reassured, the man returned to the others and said, “Don’t be afraid. All is well. I’ve seen the captain’s face, and he smiled!”

When we are battered by the storms of life, we may be tempted to give in to feelings of hopelessness. But if we will look to our sovereign Captain (Hebrews 2:10 KJV) and commit our way to Him (Psalm 37:5), we will find peace even in the midst of great turmoil. We can trust Him to bring us through the storm (Mark 4:36-41).

Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled;
O waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul!
And I perish! I perish, dear Master;
O hasten, and take control!
The winds and the waves shall
obey Thy will, Peace be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea,
Or demons, or men, or whatever it be,
No water can swallow the ship where lies,
The Master of ocean and earth and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace be still! Peace be still! —Palmer

by mike riley

“GOD LOVES YOU AND I LOVE YOU AND THAT’S THE WAY IT’S GONNA BE!” – MIKE