Preface & Introduction

Weather Home


Dew

Dew


Clouds

Clouds


Rain

Rain


Storms

Storms


Stars

Stars


Earthquakes

Earthquakes


Thunderbolts & Hail

Thunderbolts & Hail


The Heavens

The Heavens Declaring


The Treasure in the Snow

Treasure in the Snow


The Rainbow Speaks

The Rainbow Speaks


Epilogue

Epilogue

Words For Courageous Living

God's Weather Forecast
Epilogue & Concluding Section and Comments on ‘Natural Disasters'

Weather map

In God's Meteorology the weather has been forecast. (Matthew 16:2,3; Luke 12:54,55; Acts 27:10)

In God's Meteorology the weather has been affected by prayer. (1 Samuel 12:16-18; 1 Kings 18:41-45; James 5:17,18)

Let the Bible speak about WIND and WAVES.

The Wind

made its appearance in the days of Noah when "God sent a wind over the earth..."(Genesis 8:1). There is the wind from the Lord. (Numbers 11:31); God is seen upon the wind (Psalm 18:10, 104:3); words about the East Wind in Job, the North Wind is Proverbs, the South Wind in Job and the West Wind in Exodus.

there is

and now,

The Waves of the Sea

"He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea." Job 9:8

"You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves..." Psalm 65:7

"You are the one who rules the oceans. When their waves rise in fearful storms, you subdue them. .."

"The mighty oceans have roared, O Lord. The mighty oceans roar like thunder; the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore - the Lord above is mightier than these." Psalm 93:3

"He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and sank again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits end. Lord, help! they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them. Let hem exalt him publicly before the congregation." Psalm 107:25-32

"For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar. My name is the Lord Almighty." Jer.. 51:15

"Do you have no respect for me? Why do you not tremble in my presence? I, the Lord, am the one who defines the oceans sandy shoreline, an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the bounds I set." Jer. 5:22

"It is the Lord who provides the sun to light the day and the moon and stars to light the mighty. It is he who stirs the sea into roaring waves. His name is the Lord Almighty..." Jer. 31:35

Some comments on

Natural Disasters

The haunting statement of many: "...well, God would never send a disaster or a calamity upon anyone or group." They ask me. My reply is "It is possible" In the Word it states, "...this is why the Lord brought calamity upon them." (1 Kings 9:9) It plainly says, HE BROUGHT. It is like, "Read my lips" says God. I am in control.

When something bad happens, we want someone to blame. When the bad thing is a natural disaster, there's no one left to blame but God. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves, lightning strikes. The insurance companies call them "acts of God." Nobody is to blame – nobody except God, that is.

The recent tsunami is just one example in a long line of history's mind-numbing natural disasters.

Horrible tsunamis in 2007 hit the Solomon Islands Two others in 2006 hit the Kuril Islands and South of Java Island. Then the world remembers the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

For the record and looking back, more than 3.5 million died in the North Korean floods and famine of 1995-98. More than 900,000 died in the Ethiopian famine of 1984. Two hundred forty-two thousand died in the Tangshan, China, earthquake of 1976. The Ethiopian famine of 1974 claimed 200,000.

The Bangladesh sea flood of 1970 took 200,000-500,000. China's famine of 1960 took 20 million. One million died in the flu pandemic of 1957, and up to 100 million died in the flu pandemic of 1918. Earthquakes in Nansan, China, in 1927 and in Gansu, China, in 1933 killed 200,000 each.

Up to one million died in Huayan Kou, China, in the Yangtse Kiang flooding of 1887. The smallpox epidemic in France in 1870-71 killed 500,000. One million died from the Irish famine of 1845. The Iran earthquake of 1780 killed 200,000. Ten million died in the Bengal, India, famine of 1769. The Shensi, China, earthquake of 1556 claimed 800,000. And the black plague of Europe and Asia in 1346-42 took 25 million lives.

People ask, why does a loving God let such astounding mayhem happen?

Wrath of God??
Disasters Hitting America

Just the title would, perhaps, make one think. Could it be possibly true that disasters that have and will "hit America" are because of the wrath of God.. Well, if I were God, I would seriously consider using such means. The following words are sober. They will get you to think regarding (1.) the suffering of the righteous and (2) the causes of disasters.

Take droughts for example.

Biblical references:

I looked up the major droughts in the world and discovered that during the years 1931-1938 in the Great Plains of the U.S.A. there were severe wind storms that dried out the land and blew the top layer of soil away

Australia was hit during the years 1982 – 1983 There was no rain for more than a year. Africa during the years 1972 – 1973 the population suffered a decrease in rainfall. Then for a rare drought in Britain during 1976 it did not rain from June 1975 to September 1976. Water rationing was greatly needed in the larger cities of Britain.

An example from the lips of Jesus:

"Now there were some present at
that time who told Jesus about the Galians whose
blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
Jesus answered "Do you think that
these Galileans were worse sinners
than all the other Galileans because
they suffered this way?
I tell you, no! But unless you
repent, you too will all perish.
Second example
Or those eighteen who died
when the tower in Siloam fell
on them - do you think they
were more guilty than all
the others living in Jerusalem?
I tell you, no!
But unless you repent, you too
will all perish."

The Suffering of the Righteous vs. 1-3

Why asked?? Jews believed by and large that calamity is the wages of sin. To pull some of the phrases from the above scripture:

   "at that time" - when in His ministry is not easy to determine

   "some told him" doubtless an event of recent occurrence. = why? conjecture ? get him to express an opinion respecting the conduct of Pilate. Maybe they thought the Galileans deserved it!!

    "Galileans" were not under the jurisdiction of Pilate, but of Herod. Galileans in the time of Jesus were very wicked.

   "whose blood Pilate mingled" While sacrificing at Jerusalem = Pilate came suddenly upon them. Not that he offered their blood, but while the blood of animals were being slain. We learn from Josephus that the Galileans were very much disposed to broils and seditions. Probably he suspected them of being insurrectionaries. Therefore Pilate and Herod had a quarrel with each other. Likely the Galileans excited a tumult in the temple and that Pilate took occasion to come suddenly upon them.

   "Pilate" was the Roman governor of Judea.

   "Do you think?" from that word it seems that they thought the men had been slain because they were very great sinners.

   "I tell you, NO" Jesus cuts across current belief!!! The fact that men come to sudden and violent death is not proof that they are especially wicked!!! (take any train, boat or airplane disaster.

He did not say they were NOT sinners at all. Sin had nothing to do with death.

   "repent" subject of repentance and religion always on mind of Jesus. Here the opportunity to introduce it easy, freely and fully.

   "you too will all perish" left them to infer that they were just as bad. They also had to repent.

Lessons:

It seems to me that most people infer when a great calamity happens that those people got what they deserve. Guilty!! Ever hear that expression?? (example Job and his friends)

Most people are seen in their quickness to blame everyone who is unfortunate and to think themselves surely right as long as they "prosper".

This conclusion is wrong – spelled with capital letters. However, consider this. If we see a man who is bloated and "crazy" because of intoxication, we can infer properly that he is guilty. So, also with other outward signs of "sin". BUT we can not say when a man's house is burned down, or when his children die, or if he looses his health - or a nation is afflicted with a famine or plague - or if a man is killed by lightning - or perishes in a train disaster or those on some airplane that crases - that they are the "worst" Those who perish may be far more virtuous or righteous than many that live.

Agree with me that this is not a world of retribution. Good and evil are mingled. The good and the bad suffer - all (you and me) are exposed to calamity. Many we make for ourselves and we are the product of such.

Jesus says that those on whom tower fell were innocent men. In like manner, those who are killed by bullet, accident or whatever need not be judged. It is improper to suppose that those on whom heavy judgments fall in this world are the worst of men. Again, this is not a world of retribution. Often the most wicked prosper here, and their punishment is reserved for another world; while the righteous are called to suffer much, and appear to be under the swore displeasure of God.

This we know. The wicked will not always escape. God is just!!! Establish: There will be retribution - count on it - "Be sure your sins will find you out."

An adequate punishment for sin cannot be inflicted IN this world. - - - -note: Present life is a state of trial, NOT a reward and punishment (repeat!!!) Must not judge our neighbor guilty..

We briefly looked at 1. Suffering of the righteous, now

2. The Cause of Disasters

wrath of God?? (oh me)

Please follow me - put aside your prejudices for a few minutes. Establish some hangers to put my thoughts on:

  1. The flood of Genesis. Was it due to an El Nino, or was it due to God?? Give me an answer! Think your answer! Property damage - loss of lives, etc.
  2. Did God ever use "disasters" to get people's attention
  3. Is the world under judgment?
    1. Japan - typhoons - ferry accidents
    2. Europe - mud slides - volcanoes
    3. USA – earthquakes – fires – cyclones - tornadoes

Was God saying something through Hurricane Andrew of several years ago. Then there was Kitrina in the Gulf coast area. In more current happenings (as you read these lines) Possible? ..... "Hey, American, this is- _____ speaking. .... Was God trying to get out attention? Some say: "Right on" Some say "No way" What do you say – listen to your heart at the gut level.

True we can't ignore Hebrews 12:7-10

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

In days gone by - when a disaster hit a part of the city those people flocked to the churches – they sought God, they repented, etc.

The insurance companies say - quote "disasters are an act of God"
Recall the story of Miracle on 34th St. Grand conclusion was "If the United States Post Office recognizes Chris Cringle as Santa Clause, then that must be he." So, I say, if the insurance companies of America can declare that disasters are an act of God. ....then why don't we listen up to God?? (am I making sense?) At least take personal inventory. I am not saying that they are

Question? Has God---does God actually SEND weather calamities??? I hear someone thinking, "No, a loving God would never do such!" -carry it further re: Hell Well, if that is your thinking, listen up. Without writing the scripture consider - Josh. 10:11, God DID send hailstones yep

Pestilence - accidents - earthquakes - storms are instances of God's law -

WARNINGS FROM GOD.....judgments of God - - telling us in "such a voice" to be wise and learn.

Take America - could it be that in light of all the unusual happenings during this year from, January. to present, that God has wished to condemn, not individual persons, but OUR SYSTEM?? Just look at the events of the year these words were written – 2008

We are punished -not because (in the context of this writing) not because of private but public fault. Not men individual judged, but the "state" of things. (of course there IS a personal judgment, but we are speaking in terms of national disasters.) Warning - our system is being weighed in the scales - we are being "found wanting".

Bottom line: We are not to judge! We are to repent!

Daniel 9:12,13,14
You have fulfilled the words
spoken against us and against
our rulers by bringing
upon us great DISASTER. Under
the whole heaven nothing has ever
been done like what has
been done to Jerusalem. Just as it
is written in the Law of Moses, all this
DISASTER has come upon us, yet
we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God
by turning from our sins and giving
our attention to your truth.
The Lord did not hesitate to bring
THE DISASTER upon us for the
Lord our God is righteous in everything
he does; yet we
have not obeyed him.

I urge you to re-read the above scripture and then just sit still and mediate on the Word of God......

Amen and Amen


Send This Page to a Friend

Your name:
Your e-mail:
Your Friend's Name:
Your Friend's e-mail: