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THE FAX OF LIFE
A Weekly Service To The Business Community From SVCC RECOVERING FROM LIFE'S DISASTERS
By Rick Warren
This week, Southern California experienced its worst fires in history. Hundreds of homes were destroyed... families wiped out instantly. As the Bible says: "Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people." Eccl. 8:14 (NCV) This week, I simply want to let God's word speak for itself. What should I do when tragedy strikes?1. RELEASE MY GRIEF. - Don't deny it or ignore it. Tell God exactly how you feel.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matt. 5:4 "Pour out your heart to God, for he is our refuge." Ps. 62:8 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Ps.34:18
2. RECEIVE HELP FROM OTHERS. - Don't isolate yourself. Find support in a church family.
"Carry each other's burdens..." Gal 6:2 "By helping each other with your troubles, you obey the law of Christ."
3. REFUSE TO BE BITTER. - You have a choice: become bitter or better.
"Some people have no happiness at all; they live and die with bitter hearts."Job 21:25 (GN) "Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you... it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives." Heb 12:15 (LB)
How can I avoid bitterness?
Accept what cannot be changed. "...Reach out to God...then face the world again, firm and courageous..." Job 11:13,16
Focus on what's left, not what's lost. "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you." 1 Th. 5:18 (LB)
4. REMEMBER WHAT'S IMPORTANT. - Relationships, not things, are what matter.
"Jesus said... Life is not measured by how much one owns." Lk 12:15 (NCV) "We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." 1 Tim. 6:7 (NIV)
5. RELY ON CHRIST. - This is the secret of strength in tough times.
"I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength." Phil. 4:13 (NCV)
HOW DO I DO THIS?
Lean on Christ for stability! "Those who trust in the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance." Ps. 125:1 (LB) "You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you.." Is. 26:3 "Such a person will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God's constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that God will take care of him." Ps.112:6-7 (LB)
Listen to Christ for direction! "I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." Jer 29:11 (NCV)
Look to Christ for salvation! "God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea," Ps. 46:2 Until next week...
FOL#73
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