A Time to Take Refuge

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Ps. 57:1

my heart breaks for all these people who were and continue to be affected by the tsunami and earthquake. i believe the death toll now is about 65,000 ...(updated: now 80,427 have been confirmed dead as of 10:35 am 12/29/04). the fear of disease taking more lives than what has already been reported is weighing heavy on peoples minds. 3 days after the devastation, and dead bodies are still decomposing in the streets and on the beaches. there are not enough people alive in the affected areas to bury those who have been killed.

most of me wishes i could be there, helping in some way. part of me is glad i'm here in america where it seems safe and comfortable. but all of me is crying out to my heavenly Father - for mercy and grace. even in the midst of devastation as great as this one, He still reigns on high. He's present with them there, providing their needs which He knows. and He hears my prayers. that is why i pray.

Powerful Jesus,
i continue to lift to You the people affected by this disaster. may You use this opportunity to draw these broken people back to Yourself. Spirit, i know that You are moving in a mighty way to mend the hurting. i lift up those carrying Your good news - may You equip them with power to speak boldly of Your truth and to resound with Your love thru their actions. thanks for the outpouring of help from various nations willing to provide financial support. tho i don't know why this happened, You do and are using it for Your grand plan. Your power is great, and armed with mighty strength.
in Your holy Name, Jesus, Amen

a mighty fortress is our God

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,
thru him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever.

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*The Red Cross *steve and nopaluck *tam