03/28/11

Update on Japan

Editor’s Note:

While some disasters have short-term effects, and only impact small regions or areas of the earth–a disaster such as the Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan on March 11th, with its subsequent Nuclear Plant catastrophes, has far-reaching effects for the whole earth. Thousands are dead in Japan, and thousands are missing and homeless.

While the effects of New Orlean’s Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquake in Haiti, along with other disaster areas are still being felt, Japan continues to experience aftershocks of the 8.9 Richter scale quake. The devastation of Japan predominately came from the resultant Tsunami, and here it is 17 days later and a 6.9 quake occurred in Japan this morning.

As far away as the United States east coast there are findings of radiation in the rain. Clouds cover a circuit of the world due to wind currents, and while experts are saying that the radiation levels are not detrimental here in the United States, I pray that does not change.

The food chain is already affected. Milk, water, and plants have been tested for radiation in Japan and here in the United States, and the government is “keeping an eye on it all” in the middle of every other crisis it is dealing with. I am sure that other localities between Japan and the U.S. are also affected. So where does that leave us everyday citizens at this point?

We need to learn to apply diligent prayer to this situation, and to exercise caution and common sense in what we take for granted as clean and safe. Drinking bottled water has been a habit in my family for several years, and be mindful that the soil will be affected if radiation is in an area.

The long-term effects of this potentially enormous nuclear disaster would be in altering DNA, subsequently affecting the children of radiation victims. Not only that, but the victims themselves have higher risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases. No one has mentioned Hiroshima nor Nagasaki, but the Japanese populace has been here before. It is very sad.

I am not writing this to ask you to panic, I am asking you to pray that all will be well; to support the relief effort in any way that you can, and to pray that the offspring of those on this earth today would not have to suffer for the unfortunate lack of planning and insight on the part of governments.

Ultimately, the people bear the brunt of these mistakes. and while we cannot blame Japan for the earthquake and should do all that is possible to help the Japanese people–it is sad that modern industry standards still cannot protect the people that it intends to serve.  

 2 Chronicles 7:14
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”.

Charlene

03/21/11

Queen Esther and the Feast of Purim

This weekend was the celebration of Purim–a Jewish Holy Day set aside to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews in Persia.

This story is found in Scripture, nestled inside the Book of Esther. Read Esther with understanding, seeing God at work in this Book of betrayal, courage, and light. Esther is a servant of the High God, who was placed in a position of authority and influence for God’s Divine purpose. She was blessed among women, and had favor with God and man.  I encourage you to partake of Esther at the Father’s table.

03/21/11

Psalm 6

Psalm 6 (New International Version, ©2011)

Do you ever feel as if you are at a crossroads with no idea as to which direction to take? We all get here at different times in our lives and it is here that we have to proclaim that we have a deliverer. Making decisions that affect the Kingdom of God requires that we seek Him and listen well. The flesh wants to remain where it once felt safe. The spirit wants to soar. Psalm 6 is for those times when we are at our lowest ebb, the tide has gone out and we have dry bones. Search yourself and ask? How can I serve God best? You may be surprised at the answer.   Charlene

Psalm 6

Psalm 6[a]

    For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith.[b] A psalm of David.

 1 LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
   or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint;
   heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in deep anguish.
   How long, LORD, how long?

 4 Turn, LORD, and deliver me;
   save me because of your unfailing love.
5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
   Who praises you from the grave?

 6 I am worn out from my groaning.

   All night long I flood my bed with weeping
   and drench my couch with tears.
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
   they fail because of all my foes.

 8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
   for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
   the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
   they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 6:1 In Hebrew texts 6:1-10 is numbered 6:2-11.
  2. Psalm 6:1 Title: Probably a musical term

03/13/11

Psalm 64 A Psalm of David

As Christians we must always be aware of spiritual warfare. The church is comprised of human beings, and, as in David’s Psalm below, the enemy of God’s saints is ever seeking whom he can devour. Gird up your loins in the Name of Jesus and fight for what you know is right.  Accuse no brethren or sisters but forgive all things as Christ forgives you.   Charlene

Psalm 64 (New International Version, ©2011)

 

Psalm 64

Psalm 64[a]

    For the director of music. A psalm of David.

 1 Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;
   protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

 2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,
   from the plots of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords
   and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent;
   they shoot suddenly, without fear.

 5 They encourage each other in evil plans,
   they talk about hiding their snares;
   they say, “Who will see it[b]?”
6 They plot injustice and say,
   “We have devised a perfect plan!”
   Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

 7 But God will shoot them with his arrows;
   they will suddenly be struck down.
8 He will turn their own tongues against them
   and bring them to ruin;
   all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
9 All people will fear;
   they will proclaim the works of God
   and ponder what he has done.

 10 The righteous will rejoice in the LORD
   and take refuge in him;
   all the upright in heart will glory in him!

 

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 64:1 In Hebrew texts 64:1-10 is numbered 64:2-11.
  2. Psalm 64:5 Or us

Credit: Bible Gateway  www.biblegateway.com

03/13/11

Prayer for Earthquake/Tsunami Victims

Hello, Everyone.

If you have been watching the news you should be aware of the 8.9 Richter Scale earthquake that occurred in Japan on March 11th and the subsequent aftershocks. The devastation is horrible and unprecedented in Japanese history. This is the largest quake they have experienced and all of us are affected by it. Thousands lost or missing including Americans and Europeans living or visiting in Japan. I’m sure that there are other lost and missing from other nationalities.  Nuclear plants are in crisis and containment is shaky.

The tsunami waves reached California and devastated the harbor in Crescent City, California. One person was washed out to sea. Oregon has also been impacted heavily and FEMA is once again at work. United States service ships have been deployed to Japan to assist in evacuation, supplies, and removal of bodies and debris, and service men and women already stationed in Japan are assisting. Please let us keep our brothers and sisters in prayer today and forever, because but for the grace of GOD it could be ourselves.

                                                                                                                 Charlene