I don't know enough about the history of the region to say whether or not Pat Robertson's remarks about Haiti are accurate, but have to say I'm rather disappointed that he would make such statements at such a time. (See: www.cnn.com/2010/US/01/13/haiti.pat.robertson/index.html?section=cnn_latest)

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we shouldn't be surprised when earthquakes and wars happen in our time. The Bible tells us that these things will come to pass.

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled : for all these things must come to pass , but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." (Matthew 24:3-8)

However, I do not believe that our response when such things occur should be one of condemnation but rather, of compassion.

Jesus said, "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink ? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in ? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. " (Matthew 25:35-40)

Most of us can't physically go to Haiti right now to help pull victims from the rubble or distribute food, water, clothing and medical supplies, but there are things we can do.

If you have the funds to do so, you may want to consider giving to aid organizations such as the Red Cross.

The very best thing we can do is to pray for the people of Haiti and those involved in rescue and relief efforts.

Please join me in responding to the people of Haiti by lifting them before the throne.


O Father,
As we hear more of the unimaginable devastation and loss of life in Haiti, we are saddened for these people. I thank You that You have raised up many across the globe with the resources to go there to help in rescue and relief. O Father, as food, water and medicines are passed out to the suffering, I ask that Your love would be shared also. Send laborers to Haiti who will meet physical needs and direct the survivors to Jesus. May His Name be lifted up so that the people of Haiti will be drawn to Him. O Father, turn hearts in Haiti to You. May they look to You to find relief for their souls. May repentance, revival and salvation be the outcome of this tragedy. In the midst of despair, bring hope. Comfort those who mourn and heal the broken. Shine the light of salvation into the darkness of this hour, I pray. Hear our cry for Haiti, Lord, and do what only You can do.

In Jesus' wonderful Name,
Amen.

“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God…” – Psalm 40:3

Before I left home for college in the 80s, the only Christian music I had been exposed to consisted of traditional hymns and a smattering of Gaither choruses (many of which I still treasure). A roommate introduced me to the contemporary Christian music of the day and opened up a whole new avenue of praise for me.

Although there is much that I enjoy, some of today’s Christian music, however, seems to be lacking in substance. It seems the goal is often to entertain rather than to lead into praise and worship. Think about some of the more popular worship songs and I think you’ll see what I mean.

This morning, I’ve been thinking about some of those songs I heard in the 80s, how they blessed me and truly lifted my heart to the Lord and lifted His Name. God can take the old and bring something new. This morning, He has taken some old songs and used them to “put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” I’d like to share just a few of them with you and invite you to worship the Lord with me.


Sandi Patti - More Than Wonderful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CcebZCl_DM

Steve Green – Lamb of Glory
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1IZctxGmFA

Steve Green – Proclaim the Glory of The Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynekj1Uv7x4

Amy Grant – El Shaddai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXB1a3NBCw

Sandy Patti – Via Dolorosa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6dwOX6N_Tk