GOD’S HAND OF MERCY

Between the evening of September 14 and the morning of September 15, 2023, Bermuda was affected by the tropical winds of Hurricane Lee. With most of the population following the guidelines set out by the government and the Bermuda Police Service, people stayed off the streets and, in their homes, or place of work. Let us take a moment to celebrate all Essential Services who had a part to play in the safety of the people of Bermuda. But most of all, let us take a moment to thank God for covering us from the full force of the storm. 

Today, many will spend the day cleaning up, and others will attend to the care of the people of the island. In reflection, at 4:00 am this morning, I ask the Lord what lessons can we learn from Hurricane Lee, and the tropical force winds on the island of Bermuda? In my morning devotion with my family, the LORD said, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole." Job 5:17, 18. 

Then He said, "I do not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. I have my purpose in the whirlwind and in the storm, in the fire and in the flood. I, the Lord, permit calamities to come to my people to save them from greater dangers. I desire everyone to examine their own heart closely and carefully, and then draw near to me the LORD, that I may draw near to you. Your life is in the hands of me. I see dangers threatening you that you cannot see. I am the giver of all your blessings; the provider of all your mercies; the orderer of all your experiences. I see the perils that you cannot see. 

At times, I may permit to come upon you that which fills your hearts with sadness, because I see that you need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. I know your frame and remember that you are but dust. Even the very hairs of your head are numbered. 

I the LORD of all the universe work through natural causes to lead my people to remember that I have not forgotten them, but that I desire of them to forsake the way which, if were permitted to follow unchecked and unreproved, would lead them into great peril. So I permit trials to come their way. These trials come to all in different ways to lead everyone to investigate their hearts and to see if they are purified from all that defiles them. 

Constantly I the Lord am working for your present and eternal good... Every soul that is saved must be a partaker with Christ of His sufferings, that they may be a partaker with Him of His glory. How few understand why the LIVING GOD subjects them to trial. It is by the trial of your faith that you gain spiritual strength." 

My friend, The Lord seeks to educate His people to lean wholly upon Him.... Let everyone examine his own course of action. Let everyone ask themself whether they are meeting the standard that God has placed before them. Can we say from the heart, I lay aside my own will? “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart”? Psalm 40:8. 

Do you ask daily, “Lord, what is thy will concerning me?” May we answer these questions with a true heart today, and submit our will, to the will of God fully! May the peace of the Lord go with you, and may you find favor, and comfort in His word today.

DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, AND STAY FOCUS

Today’s message is dedicated to all persons seeking to better themselves in service to others, and the twenty-three new recruits of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service 2023. In life, if you are going to reach the top of anything, you must DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, AND STAY FOCUS! 

 The upward line of growth comes through education. Yet, did you know that education doesn't stop when you leave school? If you are seeking to improve your country, and your family, it must begin with you. A wise person once said, "True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements, but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character. It needs men whose ability is controlled by steadfast principles. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom." "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright." Proverbs 4:7; 15:2. 

True education imparts this wisdom. It teaches the best use not only of one but of all our powers and acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the world, and to God." This leads me to the subject of character building. Because "character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings, and never before was its diligent study so important as now. Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never before were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them today."

 
 Lastly, let us look at selfish rivalry. "In God's plan, there is no place for selfish rivalry. Those who measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12. 

Whatever we do is to be done "as of the ability which God giveth." 1 Peter 4:11. It is to be done "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord." Colossians 3:23, 24. May you be encouraged as you seek to improve upon the gift God has given you. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings. 

 Watch "DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, AND STAY FOCUS: 

https://youtu.be/JR4Flt-AtvY?si=7Z86cfsZWoilNyb1

 

*HURRICANE UPDATE IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN WITH A WORD OF HOPE*

By now, many who live in the Atlantic Ocean know that we have not had any let-up when it comes to this time of the year and the hurricane season. Today, a hurricane by the name of Lee is making its way westly, with a projection of going northwest. Hurricane Lee has powered up to a category five storm at this moment, packing wind speeds of up to 160mph (260km/h) as it churns through the Caribbean.

It could cause dangerous beach conditions on the US east coast by Sunday, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. On its current path, the storm is not projected to make landfall anywhere yet. Lee is the 12th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. For further updates, listen or look at your latest updated news. 

 A word of encouragement; "The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today." By H. Jackson Brown, Jr. 

 The word of God in speaking about His protective power says, "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7. Through the Holy Angels, God shields His children and sustains their lives every day. God commissions His angels to save His chosen ones from calamity, to guard them from “the pestilence that walketh in darkness” and “the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” Psalm 91:6. 

 It's not only our physical lives He wants to preserve and be in health; He longs to preserve and protect our spiritual lives. As the Great Watcher, He has sent out His Holy Angels to defend and guard us in countless ways every day. Today, exclam with me, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7 If you have been blessed through this message, let us know.