HOW DO WE PREACH AN EXPOSITORY MESSAGE?

TEXT:  JOHN 3:16 (KJV) - PUBLIC DOMAIN
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

SEVEN QUALITIES OF EXPOSITORY PREACHING BY WAYNE MC DILL
(FROM THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION'S FACTS AND TRENDS - LIFEWAY)

Among evangelicals, the term expository preaching has come to stand for authentic biblical preaching. However, exactly what constitutes expository preaching varies from writer to writer and preacher to preacher.

I have talked with preachers who described themselves as “expositors,” and I believed them until I heard them preach. For many, exposition seems to mean taking a text and preaching on the subject the passage seems to address. For others exposition means defining some of the words in the text. For others expository preaching seems to mean.

The word exposition is from the Latin, expositio, meaning “a setting forth, narration, or display.” As applied to preaching, the word has come to mean the setting forth or explanation of the message of the biblical text. In expository preaching the sermon is designed to communicate what the text says, including its meaning for the contemporary audience.

Here are seven qualities of authentic expository preaching gleaned from definitions of various writers through the generations:

In expository preaching the preacher’s first aim is to discover the text writer’s intended theological meaning in the selected text. We preachers tend to search the Bible for a sermon. We hope for something to leap out at us that will preach. But a program of expository preaching calls for the preacher to aim for a clear understanding of the text writer’s meaning. Only out of that theological message can he properly preach an expository sermon.

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EMPOWERED - A BOOK REVIEW

EMPOWERED - WHY WE NEED SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCHES, by Dr. Kie Bowman, Senior Pastor of Hyde Park Baptist Church (and the QUARRIES) of Austin, Texas is the best primer on the Holy Spirit, that I can remember reading. It comes in at 135 pages and I was able to read it through in just one night, it is such an interesting book.

Dr. Bowman does as masterful job in weaving a narrative direct from Scripture, in full context, while keeping the reader engaged through both some little known historical facts, as well as some personal humorous anecdotes.  Without giving away anything, all I can say is I have, myself, forgotten to put in a blank video tape in my camcorder one time, when I went to record one of my daughter's ballet dance recitals! Fortunately, there was a professional crew there too, and I was able to buy a copy. There I was recording all the angles, only to get home and find out I had not tape in the camcorder!

EMPOWERED will empower the Christian man or woman, of any stage of spiritual maturity, to be lifted to the next plateau of intimacy with the Savior, if we can just grasp the historical background of the Holy Spirit and how we can truly come into an effective prayer life, which will then enable that graduation to a higher plane. 

There are both practical steps, sometimes paralleled by the examples of the Early Church and how they prayed in tougher circumstances, than we experience today. Yet their ground-shaking prayer and evangelistic intercession led to a divine movement with over a billion Christians worldwide today. How did those early saints do it? They were filled with the Holy Spirit, remained "topped-off" and exploded from a sect in Jerusalem to take the world by storm.

Get your copy of EMPOWERED by Pastor Bowman, here. It is a great gift for the Resurrection Week ahead!

EMPOWERED is published by AUXANO PRESS.
Foreword by Dr. Ronnie Floyd, President of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee and the National Day of Prayer Task Force. 

FIVE BENEFITS TO STUDYING THE BIBLE - EXEGETICALLY

George Muller, a giant figure in the history of the church, cared for 10,024 orphans in his lifetime explored with great faith and enthusiasm the inner life, faith and prayer. That’s what we remember about him. But his words surprised me when I read them–

“What is the food of the inner man? Not prayer, but the Word of God; and….not the simple reading of the Word of God, so that it only passes through our minds, just as water runs through a pipe, but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts.”

Bible Study isn’t a casual stroll through a book. Bible study isn’t googling various themes to help us find scriptures to fit our own personal predilections. It is an adventure into the voice, plan and providence of God. It is a living expedition that changes the reader not the interpretation. It’s pondering, applying, researching, and listening. Here are five benefits to an exegetical strategy of Bible study:

1. We get the big picture and the larger story. Historically (and currently), certain unfortunate groups have zeroed in on one chapter or even one verse of the Bible in order to develop their worldview. These efforts pervert the meaning of scripture because it ignores the Canon in favor of a particular nuance found in a particular part. Once we look at the bigger picture, the larger story, that’s when the Bible gets interesting, my friend! We see shards of truth in the details but nothing can compare to the full mosaic of the Word as we see the progression of Scripture.

2. Exegetical study reveals what God is saying rather than what we want Him to say. Exegetical Bible study begins with hands empty and open to God. If only we would constantly have the attitude: “Lord, I’m going to go deep, read with eyes afresh and heart open and allow You to speak truth. I will set my personal predilections aside and put on the full armor expecting that You will shake my foundation.”

3. We grasp Scripture and apply it appropriately. Most people, when they think about theology, envision demanding degrees, multisyllabic mysteries, and complicated conundrums. But the truth of God’s word is much simpler than some make it out to be. I love this thought from Soren Kierkegaard: “The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly.” 
4. Organic discoveries are the best kind. It’s great to bask in the wisdom and inspiration of David Jeremiah, David Platt, Tim Keller and other amazing writers, but discovered truths from God’s word of the homegrown variety often have a greater, more personal impression on my life. I think you’ll agree. There are times when I discover something so relevant to my own crucible or to the struggle of those I love that I can’t resist sharing it. It brings me to life. It wrecks me in such a visceral way that I know it is the Holy Spirit at work.
5. You’ll enjoy the diversity of genres and styles. Unlike a textbook that’s filled with codes, formulas and theorems, God gave us a book of stories, poems, metaphors, sayings, commandments, laments, and prophetic reveals. Through exegetical study of scriptures the brilliance and clarity of God’s story comes alive with dynamism and surprising depth. We breath deep the truth of God’s character and the power of his grace. It’s a unified message told in a variety of methods and styles. Even the four Gospels blend together; telling the same story but doing so differently. John’s Gospel is poetic and teaming with symbols and purposeful progressions. Luke’s Gospel, the Gentile voice with a vision of suffering humanity and those lost in the margins of society. Luke’s orderly account is very different from the “fasten-your-seatbelts” Gospel of Mark. Surely, to exegete scripture is to unravel a message and the mystery of the whole counsel of God. It’s hopping on board to the message and seeing where it takes you. You might not know it when you start, but its destination is always life-changing and beautiful.

Reposted by Permission of Lifeway Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Click here for Lifeway Blog.

PORN FREE

JOIN ONE MILLION MEN PORN FREE FOR FATHER'S DAY (Women can join too!)

SIGN UP AND JOIN THE WALL AGAINST SHAME!

Some of the most powerful life changing tools are coming out of the inspired hearts and minds and souls of some really young church/ministry leaders. There is one in particular, that will have immediate impact on families is called "One Million Men Porn Free". The initiative was launched at this week's Annual Southern Baptist Convention in Houston by Pastor Jay Dennis of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida. This could have the staying power and influence of the One Million Mom's organization which has been growing steadily since taking on JCPenney in 2012, (over the latter's ill-fated anti-traditional family marketing agenda which almost bankrupted Penney's)!

Pornography has become so prevalent in today's corrupt society that a 6 year old with his teenage brother's smartphone can access readily available disgusting materials, that can scar their souls for life. The increasing use and acceptance of not just pornographic movies on mainstream cable channels (in some network TV) are desensitizing many church-goers. Increasingly, it is not just men who are becoming addicted! The worldwide phenomenon "Fifty Shades of Grey" erotic books were written specifically for women have hit 100 million copies sold in one year and set to outpace the equally spiritually-decadent Harry Potter which took 16 years to sell 450 million copies! They are even making a movie of Fifty Shades, to further corrupt young stay at home moms and others!

That being said, pornography is still a major problem for men and specifically men inside the church. It is a huge problem for church leaders to handle in this Laodecian age where difficult issues are pushed aside in order to not offend people in the pews. For some reason, many modern church leaders would rather risk offending God rather than lose some members, and keep our Father in Heaven happy! The reason some of these men may be loath to attack this problem is they themselves, may be involved in some form of immorality! If you don't think immorality is a huge problem, look at this what happened in the most influential mega-church in Richmond, Virginia, where four of the five pastors were just forced to resign over sexual issues. The conservative Sovereign Grace Ministries, where some solid men like CJ Mahaney and Joshua Harris preach, is under a cloud for covering up sexual abuse...and on and on.

Marriages are breaking up over wide spread porn usage. Families are getting torn up. Men and women of God are falling like flies all over the place.  Immorality is up - righteousness is down.  Biblical ignorance is up, bible reading is down. Biblical expository preaching is up, mindless pap and prosperity gospel preaching is leading us down. A survey came out early in February 2013 that had some stunning revelations. Indiana University Professor Paul Wright writes that from his research, the more heterosexual men watch pornography, the more and more non- traditional sex they get pulled into. Therefore, the more they are apt to support gay "marriage"! Men are visual creatures, as we know and Professor Wright could be on to something here! The multi-billion dollar porn industry is booming because it is fueled by all sorts of demand for more and more outrageous "storylines" and "plots" to go with the extreme physical situations of the flesh.

When you apply these modern "truths" to users of pornography in the church, we see a serious problem here.  The corroding effect on the soul, where the desires of the flesh are now placed over the hunger and thirst for the Righteousness of God, is rotting the Body of Christ from the inside out! Church members who use pornography, are more apt to condone premarital sex, adultery, "shacking up"....and like Seinfield, they see "nothing wrong with that (homosexuality, which then leads to gay "marriage" etc.). We don't need persecutors to infiltrate and destroy the church - we are doing a really good job doing this ourselves!

Hence the reason for the One Million Men Porn Free! Father's Day is Sunday June 16. There can be no better gift to give your family, men, than to publicly promise - before God and man - to be "porn free"...as free as the wind blows!  Therefore, I urge you to please go to this website, watch the video and make a public commitment on the Wall! Please click here

There is also resources for women on this "One Million Men Porn Free" website.  
Let us take a stand like Tiffany Leeper, my great and influential powerful sister who started  group called "GIRLS AGAINST PORN".  GAP is dedicated to removing pornography from the public arena like airlines, libraries etc. 
Let's take a stand here also like Pastor Jay Dennis, who will make the entire world more aware this week when he takes a stand at the Convention of the World's largest denomination in Houston. 
Let's save our marriages. 
Let's save our kids from broken lives. 
Let's save our churches and ministries from sure destruction . 
Let's save our eyes, minds, bodies and souls for the purposes and proclamation and joy and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 
Let's do it to please Him, above all else! Amen.

FESTIVAL OF HOPE REVIVAL- THREE POWERFUL MESSAGES

DR. FRED LUTER, PRESIDENT OF
THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION (LEFT)

Only among real children of God could the first African-American President of the Southern Baptist Convention, preach at a revival at a National Baptist church with worship music led by an American baptist musician minister! The just concluded  Festival of Hope - a three day revival in Springfield Illinois, offered the Capitol city its first visit by the historic Dr. Fred Luter. He is the pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church which was hard hit by Hurricane Katrina and the first Black leader of the world's largest Christian denomination!

It was my privilege to meet this powerful man of God whose messages stirred the heart and showed one and all what revival really is all about - a ministering to those already saved to remind them of the Power of God and the Savior Jesus Christ. I wish to present here the text of all three messages ;the theme and a brief summary, so you may be able to look into them yourselves to see how God will speak. His application to each of His children is different. This is the amazing thing about the Living, breathing Scriptures! 

You and I can read the same passage and most likely agree fully on the context....BUT then GOD, BUT, GOD, will then take one word from that verse and speak Truth, Revelation, Comfort and Encouragement into a situation we are dealing with! Then 100% of the time,  the Holy Spirit will direct us to another part of God's Word, in order to give us the explanation! Why? Because Scripture explains Scripture. This is what we, we- the People of the Book, call- The Sufficiency of Scripture!

NIGHT 1, MESSAGE 1:
THE ULTIMATE BATTLE - You and I are in a battle against evil for control of our souls. We are saved because The Good Shepherd - Jesus came to lay down His Life for us. But the devil - he has come to steal, kill and destroy...even the sheep or the saints of God. Are we going to let him? Are we going to let him disqualify us for God's service and destroy our testimony? NO! Meditate on these Scriptures used by Dr.Luter for this message and decide through Prayer, fasting and supplication how we're going to prepare for this battle of the ages:
JOHN 10 (NKJV):
⁷ Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who ever came before Me^[a] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹² But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. ¹⁵ As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

NIGHT 2, MESSAGE 2:

JESUS MUST BE THE FOUNDATION - If Jesus is NOT the Foundation of the church, it will not stand! What are you and I basing on our Faith and Walk on? More importantly, Pastor Fred said, in this Declaration of Faith by Peter where he was given the "keys" to heaven by the Lord Jesus, some of these keys were fleshed out! Mr. President pulled up the largest bunch of keys and went down each key one by one. Each key represented a trial or trouble or even a praise we're experiencing and the appropriate Scripture to respond to it! For spiritual warfare, the key is Isaiah 54:17 "no weapon formed against me will prosper". For those seeking healing we have the key of Psalm 34:19 "many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers out of them all"...and so on,,,about 20 times! For whatever ails or troubles you, my brothers and my sisters, find a bible dictionary and seek out the verse, then speak it into your own life and meditate on this following text:

MATTHEW 16 (NKJV):

¹³ When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
¹⁴ So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
¹⁶ Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
¹⁷ Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. ¹⁸ And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹ And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed^[d] in heaven.

NIGHT 3, MESSAGE 3:
IF HE BRINGS YOU TO IT, HE WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT- The powerful account of Jesus calming the storm in the boat, as His disciples freaked out is a great example for us. Even when we think we have all this Faith, we are actually more full of Fear than Faith! Jesus is hear to tell you that no matter what storm of life comes up against you, fear not - because He has beat that one too! Remember, my friends, while He was temporarily (for 33 years) the God Man, He is more importantly GOD - Divine and Powerful. Jesus has defeated death, sin and satan. So what have we to fear? Why are we so afraid and anxious? Whatever the storm is, He Who saves us, because He died for us, is there with us all along as He was with the men in this boat in the passage below...and He will take us right through it! Amen
MARK 4 (NKJV):
³⁵ On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” ³⁶ Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. ³⁷ And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. ³⁸ But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
³⁹ Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”^[d] 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

ALTERNATIVE TO THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA?

LIBERALISM LED TO FORMATION OF AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS  

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea....Mark 9:42

So here we go again - yet another traditionally honorable institution which affects millions of families and young men in America - is about to be destroyed by men who have sold their souls to the social mores of the times; the pressure of selfish hedonist people and even, political leaders. This follows hard on the heels of people in authority ordering the Publishers of God's Word - the Tyndale Bible folks of Illinois - to pay for contraceptives and abortion pills!

There is no concern for the lives, emotional well-being and religious beliefs of the 99.9% of the families involved. Then with tin ears and no discernment, the leaders of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) down in of all places - Texas - had the nerve to attempt to wiggle out of their outrageous decision by throwing the "states rights" type of proposal. Here is what their statement said on January 28, 2013 "BSA members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best meets the needs of their families. The policy change under discussion would allow the religious, civic, or educational organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting to determine how to address this issue. The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents. Under this proposed policy, the BSA would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization's mission, principles, or religious beliefs,"  Deron Smith, BSA Director of Public Relations said to the CHRISTIAN POST.

That politically correct statement means absolutely nothing. All the BSA corporate leadership did here was open up poor little churches who host their local sons in troops, inside their buildings, endless targeting by the same people who caused this change in direction. There will be lawsuits filed against them by these people, who care not a wit for any boy scout because their focus is their own agenda. In towns and cities where there is no local church to host, Boy Scout troops will be thrown out of public buildings like schools, community centers etc unless the local Scout Leaders compromise their beliefs and their troop's moral integrity to the current prevailing ill-winds.

So what should the response be?

Well, thank God again, for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Along with a few other people, including Cardinal Dolan of New York, the SBC has stood strong and exposed the BSA for trying to get them (the SBC) to not oppose this.  Therefore, first expect and massive exodus from the Boys Scouts of America. Expect several scouts, including current and past Eagles, to turn in their badges. While the political leadership shows its consent by its silence, the people will not allow their children to be used as pawns in this rigged chess game.

Secondly, it will not be long before enterprising Americans - who are Christians and grounded in traditional values - will create a new private organization like AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS (AHG). The AHG is growing by leaps and bounds ever since they rose out of the ashes the once thriving Girl Scouts of American when of a huge numbers of families who left. The Girl Scouts have been way ahead of BSA in selling out to the world. They allowed their troops to replace the word "God" from their guidebooks and banned even generic prayer. There are other controversies which are not worth mentioning here.

The new Boy Scout Organization have a template to follow here from AHG, which was founded by parents of West Chester, Ohio! AHG is now in 48 states and 7 other countries.
Here are some of the timeless and God-fearing values of American Heritage Girls, which will help families who will leave in an massive exodus from the Boy Scouts of America, in the very near future:

American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered leadership and
character development ministry.
The following Statement of Faith applies to all American Heritage Girls'
Charter Organizations, Adult Members and Adult Leaders.

"We believe that there is One Triune God – Father, Jesus Christ His one and only Son, and the Holy Spirit – Creator of the universe and eternally existent. We believe the Holy Scriptures (Old and New Testaments) to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God. We believe each person is created in His image for the purpose of communing with and worshipping God. We believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit who enables us to live a Godly life. We believe that each individual is called to love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength; and to love their neighbors as themselves. We believe that each individual is called to live a life of purity, service, stewardship and integrity."

Clarity is further provided to the following terms: 

Purity – An AHG member is called to live a life of holiness, being pure of heart, mind, word and deed, reserving sexual activity for the sanctity of marriage; marriage being a lifelong commitment before God between a man and a woman.

Service – An AHG member is called to become a responsible member of their community and the world through selfless acts, which contribute to the welfare of others.

Stewardship – An AHG member is called to use their God given time, talents and money wisely.

Integrity – An AHG member is called to live a moral life, demonstrating the inward motivation to do what is right, regardless of the cost  

(Source: American Heritage Girls. Click here for their website) 

DAY 33/40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR AMERICA

PRAYER FOR WEST VIRGINIA etc... AND CHRISTIAN RELIEF VOLUNTEERS

In the course of human history, we have read of and even experienced first hand, natural disasters of tremendous proportions. Man has always recovered from these things, to sometimes rebuild even better. From the time of the Great Flood of Noah to the flooded state of New Jersey and lower Manhattan, God has always shine His Grace on those on whom He shines His Grace.

Today, I felt led by the Spirit to pray in two specific directions - for those snowed under in the poor state of West Virginia and the many Christian relief organizations. First of all, nobody (in the national media etc) is talking about or cares much about the poor country folks of West Virginia now buried under two plus feet of snow, with 300,000 or more out of power. But God does. While the focus of the cameras, election campaigners and others are on New Jersey (and it is understandable), an overbearing blizzard on a small poor state, with not much means to handle it, is devastating.

Father in the Name of Jesus, I pray for Your people in West Virginia who have been bookended by  the "storm of the ages" - Sandy - and are now under a massive blanket of snow. Lord, we know most of our brethren there, in the heart of the Bible belt, are not equipped to handle this kind of weather. We know they are now cold, hungry and perhaps disoriented or worse. So Father, I pray You show Your Hands of Mercy and Grace and Compassion to lift them above their circumstances until You can get relief (food, clothing and heat) to them via Your chosen servants or the government. Remind us to pray for those who are hurting and unable to cope with this natural tragedy, as all creation groans in hope that the Savior will rescue us all from this which man has brought upon himself through sin. Have mercy oh God on Your people there....and Lord, not just in West Virginia or New Jersey and New York, but I saw the photos from the extremely poor islands of the Caribbean where there are no media promoting political messages or biases, but people are even in a more hopeless situation with no one to help them. But You can - in Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas and elsewhere, in Jesus' Holy Name, amen.

Secondly, while all the media focus etc has been on what the government can do, and they have their role to play, it is the Christian Relief Organizations of America who ALWAYS step up first to help our fellow man. I have friends who were personally involved in the Southern Baptist Relief even while Katrina was hitting Mississippi and New Orleans in 2005. Now it is these same brothers and sisters and Christ who are staging the biggest relief and volunteer operation, which will surpass anything the political types could do. The other Southern Baptist group - Samaritan's Purse and the BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ORGANIZATION (BGEA) have been criticized by leftist preachers, liberals and others who do not do a thing to help anybody except harp on those who stand up for Biblical Truth (see: ministers attack Franklin). But it is this same Franklin Graham who is leading teams of trucks full of generators, food etc and hundreds of volunteers to help people in Atlantic City and elsewhere while the naysayers insult those who believe in the Truth of the Bible.

So, Father, in the Name of Jesus, I pray for the leaders of the Salvation Army Relief; the entire Southern Baptist Convention and the North American Missions Board (NAMB) and Franklin Graham and the entire BGEA as they lead over a thousand volunteers to do a work, which is larger in scope than the post September 11, 2001 aftermath. I pray for the Graham family, that You protect them from those who claim to be Yours but support the violation of every principle in the Holy Scriptures, while others do the work of helping Your people. I pray for the volunteers who will be risking their health and safety to help others in distress not just in New Jersey, but I pray for the effort in parts of Delaware, North Carolina and especially West Virginia. Father, give the same Grace to those volunteers that You gave the Israelites who walked through the desert for 40 years, yet did not get sick nor did their shoes wear out. I pray You remove ALL stumbling blocks and the many "Tobiahs" and "Sanballats" who reside in the talking head studios and on the ground, who are putting obstacles to goodness, righteousness and mercy. Father, in all of this, may YOUR Name, YOUR HOLY NAME be glorified because there will be no doubt that it is the God of the Bible and His people - all the abovementioned organizations and volunteers - who are bringing hope back to those who have lost everything in this storm, in the Name of Jesus I pray, amen.