We should all be rejoicing and thanking the Lord for His great protection and blessings over Pasco County. Talking to one of our county heads after the storm, they were thankful to say the worst we had was a power outage, and we could live with that. Thank you, Jesus, for keeping us. Living in Florida for 67 years I have seen these storms come and go, and there is always a testimony of the Lord’s goodness for all who pray and trust Him. As a young boy, I can remember all the old Florida Crackers make fun of anyone who would build or live west of US19. They would say you do not want to be near the gulf when one of these storms hit. In those days we did not have all the tracking and days of preparation or even the money or ability to leave. You tried your best to live on high ground and be ready to face whatever came. I remember also in the 60’s when our two rivers ran together with all the rain and storm surge. We were picking up fish trapped in ditches along S.R. 54, it was under water from just east of Elfers to about Odessa. What some days! It was almost all pasture and orange grove. What a change. The good news is the Lord is always our hiding place and as Psalm 32:6&7 says we are to pray to God when He may be found; surely flood waters they will not come near him, you are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Lets be ready for the next storm, not just to prepare and pray when it happens, but to make sure we live in such a way that we will always be dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty knowing He is our refuge and fortress and a present help in time of trouble. Praise Jesus our life is hidden with God in Him!!!!
I Thessalonians 2:1-3
- Success
- Sufferings
- Spitefully treated at Philippi
- Spoke the gospel in much conflict
- Our exhortation was in truth
I Thessalonians 2:4-12
- Approved to be entrusted with the gospel
- Spoke not pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts
- Not with flattering words or covetousness desires
- Not seeking the glory from men
- Gentle as a nursing mother
- Not only willing to give the gospel but our own lives
- Laboring night and day to give the gospel without being a burden
- You witnessed our good behavior as we comforted and exhorted
- Charging you to walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory