To the editor:
The May 28 Journal-World article entitled “Tiny town had close call with monster tornado” supports the power of prayer when dealing with the Prince of the Power of the Air. However, Job’s children encountered this power when God allowed Satan to attack Job the first time.
Another example is when Jesus directed his disciples to cross Lake Galilee. Later, as they were struggling against the wind in Mark 6, an unusual comment is made in the text, “He intended to pass them by.” However, they cried out and he rescued the disciples. I believe Jesus was going to pass them by because he was put out with them because they had not learned the many lessons from the first time he was in the boat with them (Mark 4:35-41). Mark 6:52 says, “Their hearts were hardened.”
There are two common ways in which followers of Christ are remiss in dealing with Satan. First, we fail to recognize Jesus gives us the authority to resist the devil. Our second failure as Jesus’ disciples is that we let our fears affect our walk. Job said, “The thing I feared the most came upon me.” The hedge of protection that he had was lost because he allowed fear to trump his belief in God to protect his children. Jesus rebuked his disciples because of their unbelief.
God says, “Fear not.” “Satan goes around as a roaring lion seeking him whom he may devour.” We can pray in faith, without fear, and Satan will flee; whether in a tornado or in our concern about our children.
Comments
75x55 10 months, 2 weeks ago
I'm always curious about these letters from Carl.
Mostly curious about the reaction - why the really vehement negativity? No one, including Carl, is actually promoting a 'state-solution' for some perceived need of religion in everyone's life.
So why all the hate? If it's no concern of yours, why bother to pick up rocks to throw? Seems like an awful waste of time trying to take away something that gives others purpose and fulfillment.
Ever think about that particular reaction, and why you (atheists and agnostics) seem to have that uncontrolled need ?
Just curious.
Trobs 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Ah yes, the trials and tribulations argument.
God must really have it out for Africa.
jayhawklawrence 10 months, 3 weeks ago
We keep seeing records being broken as the the size of these storm events.
I can understand how sin might have caused this change in the weather but it has to do with something called greed and selfishness and what I regard as the criminal actions of a political party that is blocking efforts to save our planet.
I can easily find this sin in the Bible. It is as old as the human race.
FloridaSunshine 10 months, 3 weeks ago
We all make choices...every single day...about almost everything. No one is making us believe, or not believe, in anything or anyone. We can choose to marry or stay single. We can choose to eat or starve. We can choose to pursue an advanced education, or not. We can accept or not accept God. This life is all about choices.
This woman (in the two videos) has something to say about Job...and getting through really difficult times...she ought to know. Her neck was broken when she was 17...she's now 62, so her perspective is interesting, to say the least. She's a quadriplegic. She also has had severe chronic pain since going through menopause ten years ago...and three years ago went through breast cancer. She's not just talking the talk, folks. She's walking the walk...even from a wheelchair. And with severe chronic pain. And having had cancer.
Lessons From Cancer - Joni Eareckson Tada by JoniandFriendsVideo
Joni Eareckson Tada Speaks at the 2013 NRB Convention by JoniandFriendsVideo
Armstrong 10 months, 3 weeks ago
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George_Braziller 10 months, 3 weeks ago
More of Carl's blathering. Everyone is going to hell, pray a lot, read the bible so your soul will be saved, quote more scripture. Blah, blah, blah. Rinse and repeat. His letters to the editor are always have the same prima donna. tone.
reality_check79 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Most people don't believe in a God until they need one....
oldbaldguy 10 months, 3 weeks ago
that is what makes this country great. we do not kill each other over religion like they do elsewhere.
In_God_we_trust 10 months, 3 weeks ago
This is what happens if your name is not found in the "book of life".
Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away: and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened: and another book was opened: which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
75x55 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Hmm. Someone needs a blood pressure check.
oldbaldguy 10 months, 3 weeks ago
when it is your time it is your time regardless of what you do to avoid it or who you are. saw that on the battlefield. mr. burkhead is entitled to his opinion. however death takes us all whether you are a believer or not.
mom_of_three 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I often read Carl's letters and go "huh?" but it does sound like that he is saying that the people in Oklahoma didn't believe in God enough or pray enough and that is just absurd.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Which is more powerful-- the Screaming Lead Guitar Jesus, or the Great White Buffalo Jesus?
Fred Whitehead Jr. 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Carl is just one of the many people who's reliance on false religion places him with the great majority of Kansans who believe in phony religious philosophy. Hence the attempts of "conservative" (read "facist") elements that we have elected to govern our lives. The aim of these people is to have domination over others who do not believe such hogwash and want to do things is a reasonable and resp[onsible manner. The bible was written by humans who are as falible as you and me and in no way is the word of any "god". It was codified into Holy Law by King James' Councis of Hampton Court in 1611 and mankind has suffered under the King's wishes ever since.
There is noting worng with believing whatever you want, but there is a lot wrong with imposing it on others, Governer Brownback!
jonas_opines 10 months, 3 weeks ago
You know who else claims that they are responsible for everything that is good, while everything that is bad is because of opposition or indifference to them and their initiatives?
Politicians.
wildflower26 10 months, 3 weeks ago
So the people who have been killed or seriously injured by violent weather events just didn't pray hard enough? That is disgusting and offensive.
tomatogrower 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Tornados are just part of the science of this planet, and if you believe in God, are part of his plan, not the devils. But did you ever hear that story about the guy who wouldn't leave his house when there were flood warnings, because God would save him. He wouldn't get in the rescue boat, because he believed God would save him, and the same story with the helicopter who came to rescue him. When he made it to heaven, he asked God why he didn't save him, God said that he gave him a warning and sent a boat and a helicopter, what more did he want?
Anyway, storms are not punishments from God. You can do lots of things to prolong your life, heath wise and safety wise. You should take shelter when there is a warning. You should have a shelter in the first place. You should eat healthy and exercise. But that doesn't always work. Dying is just part of life, and if you believe in life after death, then what is the problem? I would think a good Christian wouldn't be worried about death, but many Christians I know are terrified by death.
gl0ck0wn3r 10 months, 3 weeks ago
So... using the same logic, god really does hate Moore, OK because, you know, god let that happen. Maybe he was busy?
Don Brennaman 10 months, 3 weeks ago
wayne propst once told me...you don't need to read any more books; write your own. write your own carl and try to sell it to anyone but the editor here.
Liberty275 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I support Carl's right to his beliefs as well as their expression . Don't let these jr humanists-in-training get you down Carl. When they are comfortable without god, they will allow you to be comfortable with god.
Karl_Hungus 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I prefer the stories of Clifford The Big Red Dog!!
kansas_cynic 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Carl's constant sermons keep me focused on being a true non-believer in fairy tales and fables.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Carl is only about a half degree separated from the religious and moral philosophy of Phred.
jafs 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Job was faithful and good - the story of Job in the Bible is a horrifying one, in which God allows Satan to visit all sorts of horrible things on him, in order to win a bet.
It's a very strange story, and paints a rather unpalatable version of God.
Having had all of the troubles visited on him, Job remains faithful and good, and God wins the bet.
What on earth is that all about?
skinny 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Carl, do you believe in Santa Claus too?
christy kennedy 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Satan makes tornadoes? I thought gays, feminists, and atheists did. What do you say to all the good, innocent, and always faithful people who've prayed for mercy and have still suffered terrible tragedy? Shift to the standby "strange ways"?
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