16 September 2005 - Don't Blame God!

Dear Editor,

Bad news seems to be the fodder that sustains the media.  Most media
outlets appear to project the same basic message:  No good news today!
The entire world seems to be descending into a spiral of terror, evil,
violence, drugs, sexual excesses, child abuse, and lost values.
Recently, a circuit court held that a pledge to the Allegiance to the US
flag to be unconstitutional.  This is who we are and what we have
become.

Many folks who accept God's Word are dismayed by the threats of today's
world.  That should not be a problem for His people.  His love for His
children is absolute.  He promised to rescue us from this evil world.
He did it once before when he removed Noah and his family from an
equally evil world.

Americans have experienced terrorism since the 1980's.  We have fought
wars and have dealt with calamities since our founding.  We have yet to
make a national plea to our Creator for deliverance.  Jonah preached to
a heathen city and they repented of their evil ways.  Sadly, we have not
listened to the many Jonas' who have spoken to us. 9/11 and Katrina are
just reminders of how bad it can get.  Does anyone seriously think that
the leaders of this world hold the keys to our earth's safety?

Politicians wobble and waver when they are asked to take moral stands.
Liberals have intimidated Americans to the point where many are
embarrassed to witness for God's goodness.  So where do we stand?

God is infinitely patient.  He continues to send signs.  He brings the
seasons and reminds us of rebirth each Spring.  He allows droughts,
floods and destruction to show us how small we really are.  He has
allowed the "prince of the power of the air" to have his way with us.
The next time we are struck by a "natural disaster," don't blame God.
In His mercy, He is only trying to get our attention.

Derick S. Hartshorn
Conover, NC