Reaching out from Grand Lake Community Chapel
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Greetings in Christ!
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Let us rejoice in the wonders and joys of summer and let us be glad that this is only the beginning of the season! We know, we know; strictly speaking, we’re a little over two weeks into “official” summer, but the weather finally got the message, so that it now “feels” like summer, and the calendar informs us that we have just over 10 weeks left until the seasons change again. It seems to us that there’s a lot of time to get out and enjoy!
While most of us are enjoying the days of summer, we must remember that there are people all around the world who aren’t able to do so; of course, the tragic floods in the Hill Country of Texas weighs heavily on the soul of the United States, and while stories of incredible heroism and resilience are uplifting, the stories of death and destruction are crushing to see and hear. The tragedies aren’t limited to Texas, as there are stories of floods in New Mexico and in North Carolina following tropical storm Chantal making landfall; lives have been lost, and property damage has been significant. Some “talking heads” in the media have raised the almost-obligatory question “how can a loving God allow this to happen?” There’s really no answer to that, other than to push back on those who would suggest that the floods and storms are God’s way of punishing the unjust; that’s nonsense. What we can say for certain is that God is present in the storms and struggles of life, God is weeping with us at the loss of life, and God is with all who are working to rescue and recover. God hears all the prayers asking for relief in all forms, ours included, and God will be present with all who seek his strength and comfort. Just as was the case with those of us impacted by the ice storms Up North earlier this year, God will put things back in order, in his perfect way and in his perfect time. The question should not be “why would God allow this to happen?”, the question should be “how can God use me to help?” Not only in Texas and New Mexico and North Carolina, but in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and in those parts of our own country ravaged by violence. As you enjoy your summertime activities, keep your heart and spirit open to opportunities to help those who are not able to enjoy their summertime activities. And when you hear a call to help, respond with “here I am, Lord. Send me.”
Blessings,
Karen and Greg
Home: (989) 474-9116, Cell: (734) 502-5969
revgregrc@yahoo.com / revgreggl@yahoo.com
revkarenrc@yahoo.com / revkarengl@yahoo.com
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17
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