Are We Prepared???

The local schools are closed today...not because of snow(which is the usual case around here!)...but because of the heat and air quality. I think that this is the first time in a very long time that local schools have been cancelled because of high temperatures. The children went home early yesterday...and all after school sports events were cancelled.

Everyone along the coast is bracing for Hurricane Earl. Fisherman are bringing in gear...or hauling their traps out to deeper water in hopes to avoid damage.


Today, despite the record heat, many farmers will try to get the last of the corn in...as well as other crops should we be in the path of Earl tomorrow.

We've been here before..as many of you have, I know. Depending on which weather station we listen to...we might get just a little rain...or we might hunker down for quite a storm. Right now they are advising those of us in the midcoast to prepare for 6 inches of rain, high winds, downed trees, and power outages. You'd never guess it looking out my kitchen window right now.

And so we make attempts to prepare. I'm sure that the grocery stores will be in a frenzy today...that you won't be able to buy a battery or a flashlight anywhere.

But just how prepared can we be? Do we really know what to expect...or when to expect it?

As I watch friends and neighbors "preparing"...I can't help but wonder if we feel the same immediate urgency to prepare for eternity. Do we realize how imminent the end could possibly be...for any of us???

The Lord tells us to be prepared...and to help others to be prepared as well. As my sons and I rush around today, seeing if we can be of assistance to any of our neighbors...helping to put away lawn furniture, board up windows, hauling in skiffs...I know that we are doing this because we have been given advice...that there is the possibility of disaster ahead if we don't heed the warning.

But the Bible clearly tells us of the definite disasters ahead...not just the possibilities. The warning is clear...and strong...and we need to take heed...to prepare...and to help others as well...

And so our prayers are with those in the path of the impending storm...and our faith is in the Lord.

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembing of ourselves together, as he manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:20