Tuesday, September 30, 2008

There is a Rescuer

The National Weather Center issued the stern warning to those living on the coast: "Those living in one or two-story single family homes must evacuate or face certain death." It was debated whether the wording was too dramatic. For some, maybe it was, but the words were sadly appropriate for what may amount to hundreds of others. Unbelievably large numbers of people did not heed the warning. They wanted to stay with their homes and be able to protect their belongings after the storm. What they didn't consider was that there would be nothing left to save, regardless of their presence. The hurricane would not make landfall until Saturday, but they didn't plan on the storm surge reaching the coast as early as Friday afternoon. With the sun still shining, the gulf waters began overtaking Bolivar Peninsula, making a last minute evacuation impossible for hundreds of people. They drank in the sight of water covering the roadways and were forced to swallow the bitter pills of regret and dread. They called for help, but only a fraction could be rescued before the winds became too strong for the helicopters. They called their loved ones and said, "I made a mistake. I'm really in trouble here." They were helpless. And their loved ones are left traumatized. Emergency operators would receive countless calls for help during the storm. They would not be able to offer any hope. It was too late. In complete and utter darkness, people were swept to sea in their own homes. Their broken, swollen bodies are currently being recovered all along the coast amid debris, alligators, water moccasins, and swarms of mosquitoes. The Houston Chronicle reports that hundreds of people are unaccounted for. You can go to their web site and search the names and faces of missing fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sons and daughters. It is horrifying.

In the midst of this, while many in this region remain mercifully unaware due to lack of power and/or cable TV, our country is on the verge of financial disaster. And while the coast is still cleaning up, we will elect a new president and proceed to change administrations in the middle of a war. Simply put, it is all very scary.

People, look around and see that the storm surge of Hell is rising around us. It is lapping at the Sea Wall. It is beginning to flood the only road off the island. We stand on the decks of our fancy beach homes built on sand and watch the water rising, submerging the pillars we trusted to keep us safe. We've already been warned of disaster. Scripture says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Our sin - the thing inside us that makes us do wrong - has earned us spiritual death, an eternity apart from God. Indeed, an eternity in hell. The hell on earth around us now is only a shadow of what is to come when we will reap the terrible harvest of the sin we sowed on this earth. It is a dire message. A terrible thing to have to hear. But true.

My friends, the good news is that we still have time to call the Emergency Operator and ask to be saved. While the Bible says that we deserve death, it also says "But the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). We can call upon Jesus to save us - from ourselves and from the unquenchable fire of hell that is eager to overtake us all. There is a way out, but there is only one way.
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Call on Jesus.

"Therefore [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." (Hebrews 7:25-26)

Jesus made a way for us to be saved when He came to earth and lived a perfect life. He was fully man and at the same time fully God. He was completely without sin. He laid down His life for us while we were still doing everything wrong and spitting in His face. He loved us that much. He was tortured, then nailed to a cross and died. On that cross He bore the wrath of God for all of humanity's sin. He suffered and died in our place.

He was resurrected on the third day and appeared to many men. This is one of the most well documented facts in history. All of time revolves around His resurrection. At this moment He sits on a throne in Heaven next to God. He waits for us to call upon Him for salvation, to surrender our lives to Him, to put our hope and trust in Him. Romans 9:10-12 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'" He waits with open arms for the Saved, the Forgiven, the Rescued to enter into the splendor of an eternity with Him. There, the foundation is solid and there is no fear. There is only joy and the fulfillment of every need of your immortal soul in the presence of the One who created you.

Just like the hundreds of people who died needlessly when they did not heed the evacuation orders on the coast, we will suffer in hell needlessly if we do not take Jesus Christ up on His offer of salvation. What? You think you don't deserve to be rescued? Well no one does. It is all by grace, no matter how "good" you seemed or how "bad" you were. What? You want to stay in your house and protect all that you've gathered for yourself on this earth? It will all be destroyed anyway. What? Your husband won't go with you? You'd rather stay behind with him and ride it out? How foolish. Take your children and go. Call upon His name before it is too late.

Hurricane Hell is in the gulf. It is churning. It will certainly make landfall for each of us, but we are not given a forecast. We do not know when it will hit, but we do know that it brings with it "certain death." Will we say the warning is too stern? Or will we call upon the Savior and be rescued?

63 comments:

Unknown said...

It is a scary time and I'm so glad I have the Operator to call on and I'm rescued!!

Unknown said...

Amanda,
You have summed up what has been on my heart since this hurricane. I have sent my Sunday School class to your blog to read this post! Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to impress upon your heart to write this post.

I think this is one of the very best you have every written in the time I have followed your blog.
Blessings,
Vickie@PursuingSimplicity

Ashley said...

Amanda, Very Well Written. It is all so true. And scary. But I trust in our Savior who has given us the free gift of eternal life. Praise God.

mariel said...

powerful post...praying for those who need to hear this warning to TAKE ACTION! Thank you, Jesus, you ARE still in control!

Jennifer said...

What a great blog. I just pray someone will read it and give their life to Christ before it is too late. Thanks for being so bold in the faith on your blog.

Kelly said...

This is awesome Amanda! Oh how glad I am that no matter what trials I face - I am safe in God's arms and He has promised to never leave me or forsake me. I want everyone to know that love and that hope that we have in Him!!! It makes the economy and the war and the storms of life not seem so bad after all.

Darlene R. said...

Wow. You have done such a beautiful job sharing the Gospel in this post.

Praise God I am saved from the eternal, very real fire of Hell.

May I print this off? I would like to have my Pastor's wife (we are good friends) read it.

Tara D. said...

Very well written and verbally illustrated.

Eliza said...

Fantastic. Powerful. So many need to hear and read this.

connorcolesmom said...

AMEN!
You have eloquently shared what has been on so many of our minds lately
The "storm" is coming and moving in more rapidly by the day
Thank you Lord that I have been "rescued"
I just pray for others to see/hear the truth and do the same
God bless
Kim

Ashley said...

Thank you, these times remind me over and over to thank the Lord and remember he has rescued me. It is so easy to get caught up in stuff, but we came with noting and leave with none of these material things. Glad I have my life jacket on b/c when the lord is ready I am ready to bail out of this until then I will rejoice and praise his name! Blessings

Jerry, Lauren, Kaylee, and Isaac! said...

I love it! This has been on my heart and I am so glad we can have peace in Jesus! It is good to know we are all praying together.

MITZI said...

Very well said!

~Grandmamitz

Holly said...

I hear you...and am praying for family members that we will see at Thanksgiving, who are so very lost. Pray with me for them--my mother, father, brother, his fiancee', Chris' brother in law and some of our nephews and nieces.

Thank you for sharing the Chronicle story, too. I have not been seeing ANYTHING about it anywhere here in CO.

You are a treasure.

Michelle said...

Well written, Amanda...and I hadn't heard about the people who were killed...I am feeling so sad for their loved ones.

Anonymous said...

Your way with words is amazing, Amanda. Oh how I pray that my heart may never be so hard that I alone think I know what is best. In any situation, be it financial, natural disaters or political.

You have made me more aware of Him tonight and I thank you.

Laurel said...

Wow! Just found your blog. Well said!

Laurel
mama of 13

Jenny said...

Amanda, This is a very powerful, and well written blog post. Well done!

Praying that the people who most need to read this will find their way to your blog.

I'm so very thankful for my Rescuer!!!

Michele said...

Praise His name! What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing. I pray that everyone who reads this that is not already saved will call out to Jesus and accept Him as their LORD and Savior. I pray everyone of us who does read this who is saved will be very bold about our faith, just as you have been. Wonderfully written!

Spicy Magnolia said...

Amanda, thank you for following the Holy Spirit's leading to write this; you obviously penned it with Him the whole way through. It echoes what I've been mulling through as well the past few weeks, and I thank you for being obedient in posting it. I hope you and Jackson are doing well as you await your hubby's return!

Deidre said...

It would be so easy to lose focus during times like this. I have to remind myself daily the ONE true God has my life in the palm of His hand and I need not worry.

Thank you for this post Amanda!

barbara head said...

Thank you, Amanda, for what's been on my heart way before this Ike storm blew into our lives! You have hit the nail on the head. WE ALL need a Savior.

Susan B. said...

Oh, my! What awesome words, and ones we don't always like to hear. Thank you, Amanda.

Immeasurably More Mama said...

Oh, I am so thankful God has made a way for us to be saved! You have shared a very important message with such beautifully written words.

Julianne said...

Amanda,
This was so beautifully written. Thank you for putting pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard and for taking the time to share. Wise words. I will be sharing this with a lot of folks today.

Blessings "onya"!

judy said...

Great message!

'People need the Lord
When WILL they realize'

Let's pray they are realizing the need for Him and seeking Him.

Inksstillwet said...

Words of life written in such a way that glorifies our Almighty God! The song There is a Fountain immediately came to mind as I was reading this. Such powerful, true lyrics! Your words are life today and I pray so many will read and respond to Him. Thank you for sharing what God has pressed on so many of our souls. We long for Him!
Blessings, Amy in OK

katiegfromtennessee said...

Wow, Amanda, I didn't know how many people were missing. I knew that Galveston would probably be in the state that New Orleans was in. I pray for revival there and in Houston. I pray for the family members who don't know where their loved ones are...Yes, I agree, a scary time with a new President, slipping economy, and a war overseas. I think Congress doesn't even really know what is the right course of action is. But, we know God is completely in control over it all. Our nation is in desperate need of revival. It should start with the Lord's own House-His own Body. (1 John 1:9) When we really think about what eternity without God will be like, it should drain all color from our faces. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. I earnestly pray that those who read your post who don't know Him will accept Him-with unimaginable gratefulness for His love and mercy in providing for us a Sacrifice. So that our sins are cleansed and our spirits can become dead to sin (PRAISE THE LORD!) and alive to God!

katiegfromtennessee
Isaiah 38:17 (AMP)
"Behold, it was for my peace that I had intense bitterness; but You have loved back my life from the pit of corruption and nothingness, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back."

Rachel said...

wonderful, Amanda. Very thought provoking and heartfelt. So glad you're writing to us from your current place. Praying your man gets home safely! lovingly, rachel

Unknown said...

What a great post! You have taken our current "earthly" woes and so eloquently intertwined them with our choice to accept Jesus and be "rescued" from the very pit of hell. This post is timely and very much needed. Thanks for sharing!

Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca

Longmeadow Mama said...

I started to comment that you are definitely your mother's daughter because this reminded me so much of something she would write. But then it hit me that you are indeed your own person who God has immensely blessed with the gift of words and writing. Thank you for sharing that gift with us. This post is a must read for anybody and everybody!
Kelli

Gwendolyn said...

Excellent post! Everyone should read it.

Dionna said...

I'm glad you talked about this, Amanda. Honestly, I had no idea that there were that many people missing! The news is not covering it - all I am seeing is political stuff.
I can only imagine what it's like for you all there in the middle of it.

BethAnne said...

Considering all the prophetic signs we are seeing, I think that our time is short to witness to the lost....I pray that we can persuade our lost friends and family to call the Emergency Operator ----time is running out......thanks for reminding us of the importance of wintessing to the lost.

Timmarie said...

Powerful post.

The Ugly Beautiful said...

Thank you for this, Amanda! If you don't mind, I would like to print this out and share it with my Young LIfe kids. We live in the area that Ike hit hard, and yet they still struggle with submitting to HIm s their Lord and Savior. They choose the world instead. In these ending times, I pray that they will embrace their Rescuer! You write beautifully, like your mom! Thanks again! :)

Rose said...

Pregnant girl, getting Deep, she sounds like a real MooreJones!!
Well put, very well put!!

Bethany said...

Powerful words (and Word) Amanda.

debra parker said...

Yes, Friend.

He is our Rescuer!

Thank You.

Jan said...

My friend in Kingwood emailed me earlier in the week. She went 13 days without electricity. She has a one year old, a two year old and a three year old. She said it was amazing what God taught them through the storm. As a young mother she learned that there's a lot of stuff she can do without and who the real provider is...

As believers, may we all remember that as we walk daily with Him. Your recap is right on the money!

Enjoy your men tonight!

Jan

Marni said...

Your post was profound. Your message was so moving in reminding us about our ultimate rescuer.
I have not seen the links you posted, but after looking over them both, God and I spent some serious time together as I asked questions I can't begin to understand the answers to and let Him send his comfort and love to me nonetheless. (why so many children Lord? But praise you I know they are with you now...)

I posted excerpts of your blog on mine so my friends could see your words and hear your heart.

Thank you for sharing.

Marla Taviano said...

Praise You, Jesus!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Amanda! You have such a way with words! I miss our time together, you are such a joy to be around. Hope all is well with the little man and the princess!!
lots of love,
Meg

Stacey said...

Beautifully spoken! I wish I was half as good at expressing my feelings and thoughts! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Amanda-This is a fabulous post. I often read your blog, but rarely comment. I just had to come out of lurker status for this! What an eloquent post. I will link to it, and hope others are blessed as well. Thanks!

Tales From the Eurovan said...

Amanda,

Loved this post. Thanks for writing it!
Take care,
Julie

Amy said...

amanda, this is flat out so, so good. you have a talent for writing! and for making your point in a very timely way, using current events to point us to Jesus. way to go!

Lisa said...

Women, Men, friends, family, and all others are going to come to your blog today & read the powerful, and wonderful news that you just shared! Praise God!!!

valerie said...

What a great post, Amanda.
I looked at the article with all of the names & ages of the missing and unaccounted for. That is so sad. I had no idea there were that many who stayed through the storm.
I'm continuing to keep all of these in my prayers as well as all of the unsaved.
"God bless our country. We so desperately need You!"

3girlsmom said...

Preach it, girl. I read it twice, then when I went to the LPM blog, I read it again. Unlike Katrina, we aren't hearing a lot about the hurricane's aftermath on the news. For me, it is a mostly forgotten subject until you brought it up. This reminded me to not only pray for the people of Galveston and their surrounding areas, but also to make it even more of a priority to reach the lost. Thanks for the reminder, punch in the gut, and amazingly wonderful word.

Robyn

TXSkipper said...

I've been listening to Selah a lot lately (thanks to winning one of their box sets on Audrey Caroline's blog). As I read your post, the song I hit repeat on the most flooded my mind -

There is a Redeemer
Jesus God's own Son
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah
Holy One

Jesus, my Redeemer
Name above all names
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah
O, for sinner's slain

Thank You, O my Father
For giving us Your Son
And leaving Your Spirit 'til
The work on earth is done

When I stand in glory
I will see His face
There I'll serve my King forever
In that holy place

Thank You, O my Father
For giving us Your Son
And leaving Your Spirit 'til
The work on earth is done

anna said...

wow amanda. that was amazing. i have been reading your blog for awhile now, and l.o.v.e how you write. you crack me up and make me think. today's was so good. i am so thankful for my Rescuer. i have grown up in the church and have heard the salvation message for so long...that sometimes it loses its urgency. your post kicked me in the booty potooty.
congratulations on your little girl! that is so exciting. i have twin boys that are four months old now. life sure is different from a year ago...but i wouldn't change it for the world...well...maybe some more sleep! :)

MamaCass said...

Wow Amanda very well put. I am troubled by these elections more than ever. Maybe it is my age and the fact that I am raising a child in this current age. I wish some members of my family could read this and understand their dire need for a saviour. Praise you God that I have understood! Praise you Jesus for rescuing me. I could so easily have been swept away but because of Christ my feet are on solid ground.

jeni said...

Preach it, girl! Wow. That was a really powerful display of the gospel. Thank you so much for sharing.

Unknown said...

Amanda,

I'm so thankful I have already been rescued. God is giving me more and more of a heart for the lost.

God loves us so much...amazing. He is always reaching out His hand to save...many look away.

We are His hands.

Sheryl D

Kelly @ Love Well said...

Amen. That's a lot of truth, Amanda. My heart is heavy tonight. Lord Jesus, have mercy.

Lindsee said...

Amanda,

This message has so been heavy on my heat for about a month now, and then after the hurricane and a death in my family, it was even heavier on my heart, because so many of my extended family members want nothing to do with Jesus at all.

And all I know is that they will face the truth some day, and I am so praying before they face it, that they will come to know Him HERE and heed his warning before they face an eternity in hell.

I have recently been burdened to just lay out the gospel clearly on my blog, because they all read it, but haven't known how to do it with grace and in not a harsh way, but the truth is harsh, and real.

So, all that to say, thank you for encouraging me to be bold in what I speak. I can love them with my actions, yes, but words are so appropriate, too. Also, would you mind if I emailed this to them or put parts of it on my blog for them to see? Thanks so much, friend.

Lindsee

P.S. I was thinking the same thing about the people that didn't leave, and were told it was too late. I thought about them all night long, no joke. But really, how stupid!

Christa Hagler said...

Preach on Sister! Wonderfully written and powerful, but how can it not be it is the Gospel...it is His story. Thanks for sharing!

Diane said...

Amen and amen.

Hope you don't mind that I plan to link to this post =^) God gave you the perfect words to describe the state we are in - and the state some will be in if they don't grab the Rescuer's outstretched hand.

Smelling Coffee said...

Wonderful post! And what a "relevant" way to present the gospel in light of the world we are living in! Thank you!

We've Got Scents said...

Thanks for sharing a wonderful post. Yes, we do have a 'rescuer' and I am so very grateful!
Blessings today and always,
Kaye
Colossians 1:11

Beth said...

Well said. We all need to be reminded of a lost world out there and the hopelessness apart of Jesus Christ. Thanks Amanda for your transparency and your insight.

Jen said...

What an awesome post! If it is okay I want to send my blog readers over here.

Thank you for putting it into words that needed to be said.