Hi ,

Hope you're having a great day.

I am.

It's my birthday today. I'm celebrating another year to make an impact and leave a legacy on this earth.

Today we woke up and got to clean up debris from Hurricane Nate which just passed through Alabama. We were fortunate to have no real damage or bodily harm.  Please pray for the flood victims and others who were impacted by this storm.

As you know, we survived an earthquake in Chiapas Mexico in Sept. That makes two natural disasters in the last couple of months.

It does make you think. 

Which is worst? an earthquake or a hurricane? 

You usually know a hurricane is coming.
Yesterday as we prepared for the hurricane we secured items in the yard and even filled up a water basin in case the electric water pump for the well went out.
Fortunately we had plenty of advance notice so we could make preparations.

Preparing for an earthquake is not easy.
It's almost impossible to predict when and where an earthquake will hit.

That's why I think an earthquake is worst than a hurricane - it comes like a thief in the night (like Christ's return).

My point is we should always be prepared for life's storms and difficulties because the Bible forecasts that in this world there will be tribulation.

In John 16:33 Christ essentially tells us no one is exempt from hard times,

"These things I have spoken to you,
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

He finishing up telling us that as disciples of Christ we are overcomers. 
An overcomer is not sinless, but holds fast to faith in Christ until the end. He does not turn away when times get difficult. 

I John 5:4–5 says,
everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.
And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

We are fortunate. We know and follow Christ.
Imagine how those who have never heard the Gospel must feel when they experience catastrophes?
They not only lose material possessions or health, they are in danger of losing their life for all eternity.

It's just one more reason why we are determined to continue preaching the Gospel---

Until all have heard!