Saturday, October 22
Good news yesterday afternoon - the sewage plant is running.
Bad news is the mandatory evacuation isn’t lifted yet.
Good news is many people have a home to re-enter.
Bad news is many people don’t have a home to re-enter.
Good news in whichever category we are in God loves us!
God has shown His love to us all in the provisions He has directed our way. Good Samaritan residents have not been forgotten.
If you or any of you know who has a medical need or is declining physically please let us know. We have a direct contact to the administrator of Florida Department of Health. She stopped in last night to make sure everyone was okay.
The reality to remember is that ‘In Christ’s Love Everybody Is Somebody”.
God continually reminds us that people from every nation who revere Him and does the right thing is welcome to Him. (Acts 10:35)
We love you and you can't do a thing about it.
____________________________
Friday, October 21
We don’t know how long we will be together in Red Lion.
Some Good Samaritan residents have already moved back to family. Some have found another place to live.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to meet Good Samaritan folks that I never knew. I’m thankful for that.
We all are or were Good Samaritan residents and it’s been good to meet you.
Community is more than living in the same space, subdivision or 400+ acres.
Community is sharing life together - the good and the bad.
Community involves helping, protecting, enjoying one another's company. Authentic
community is special and elusive. It doesn’t just “happen”.
Our Good Samaritan community has come together during this tragedy. Being compressed in Red Lion has given us a glimpse of how coming together makes a difference in the face of a crisis.
We don’t know how much longer Red Lion will be our place but while here, let’s get to know one another a little better. Let’s appreciate one another’s gifts. Let’s make some lemonade from these lemons we’ve received.
It’s beautiful to see some of the lemonade already being made!! Thanks to all who are helping make this happen.
___________________________
Tuesday, October 18
God says in Proverbs 3:5-8 that human beings have the opportunity to: trust in Him; acknowledge Him; revere Him; and turn to Him.
The tragedy we are experiencing is certainly challenging to our entire being. (Remember our physical, intellectual, emotional, relational, and spiritual components of our being?)
Each person has to take inventory as to where they are in the grieving process. Some are ready to start over. Others are crying. While others are angry. Talk with God about it.
We will get through this. One of my favorite Sunday School teachers often said, “God never promised to move the mountain of trouble, take you over it, around it, under it, but through it.”
The Lord is the solution to this tragedy and every future tragedy in our lives. The solution is not found in worrying. The solution is not found within or to changed circumstances. The solution is knowing the Lord.
If you’re not sure if you know Him please read these words in Proverbs 3:5-8 over and over and simply let God know that you want to know Him personally.
He will direct our path from transition to tragedy to triumph.
God has a purpose for you to fulfill in His kingdom and church.
_________________________________
Sunday, October 16
Be encouraged through the reading of the Word:
PSALM 121
I will raise my eyes to the mountains; From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who watches over you will not slumber. Behold, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your protector; The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not beat down on you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time and forever.
_________________________________
Saturday, October 15
In reflecting upon our current situation I had to give thanks to the Father. We are called to give thanks in everything. Whether one is in a shelter, with family, Red Lion, Holiday Inn, or wherever…take a minute and thank God that you are saved, justified and forever reconciled with God through faith in Jesus Christ!
Remember that before David became King of Israel, he and his team lived in caves (I Samuel 24:3) trying to evade King Saul. We are in good company.
David want through some really bad circumstances. It got so bad that one day he said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul.” Not very encouraging for someone we hold up as a person of faith. (I Samuel 27:1)
What does David do? He is already displaced so he goes into enemy land to live with the Philistines. What??
We are a displaced people right now.
We may be tempted to make decisions that seem like the way to escape our enemy. We may be feeling like our faith has gone with the sunset. But as long as God is there we will always be able to have our faith recharged with vision and hope for the future. Read I Samuel 28:17 to hear God’s promises about David. Apply this to your life. God has good for you that you cannot see yet.
_____________________________________
Saturday, October 15
Linda and I want to say how encouraging it is to receive words from you! Here are a few that were received recently that we wanted to pass on to you all.
“I don't know if you have a way to view this post, but I wanted to send out an encouraging word. Pastor Rich mentioned three words that I am holding on to. These words are "transition" "tragedy" and "triumph". Yes, we are going through a transition from the tragedy but in the end, we will triumph! I know it doesn't seem like we will ever get back to normal again, but we our making a new normal routine. May God bless each and every one of you. I am so sorry for those who lost everything. If I had a big house, I'd invite you all to come.”
“Pastor, what a reaffirmation of the steadfast love of God! I am encouraged by your humble, heartfelt words. God goes before us tearing down the strong holds of this world. We will not be moved unless He says we will. Thank you . God is our advocate, defender and our father, who shall we fear? Why then are we shaken. Yea We will be still and wait on the Lord. God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. A blessed Saturday, Pastors Reiter😇”
“Once again Tom and I want to say a big THANK YOU for your encouraging reminder of how God is taking care of us and aways with us.”
We say thank you for the words of encouragement that you have shared with us and are sharing with one another.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
_____________________________________
Thursday, October 13
!GOD IS AT WORK!
God is providing in some remarkable ways! Orlando Family Physicians, St. Peter’s Medical, Second harvest, Jacob’s Way, Kissimmee Main Street have been instruments our Father has used to bless Good Samaritan residents.
We are so thankful!
We praise You Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit.
Great and mighty God that You are. You are waiting for our worship!
I read that humility is necessary to undermine anxiety. Think and pray on that.
One song writer put it this way - “Humble Yourself in the sign of the Lord and He will lift you up.”
Sometimes there is a fine line between being proactive, responsive and waiting on the Lord. Yet humility must be the basis of it all. Humility and trust go hand in hand.
In the wake of tragedy are uncertainties. Christians cast all our anxiety upon Him, Jesus, because He cares for us.
God is the D.E.M.A. He will restores, confirm, establish, and strengthen you. Read and pray I Peter. 5:5-11.
“Transition to Tragedy to Triumph”
_______________________________________
Wednesday, October 12
"We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviors love."
This is true.
You may be experiencing anxiety, fear, anger and or worry these days. Jesus gets us. He knows our struggles. He cares so much that He offers logic (truth) to lead us to the remedy for the emotions. The remedy is Jesus. Have you put trust in Jesus? Jesus invites You into His family.
You may ask, "how can I live with all the 'what if's?'"
Jesus says, "seek first My Father's Kingdom and righteousness and all the daily provision you need will be given to you." You can read this for yourself in the Bible. (God's autobiography). Matthew 6:33.
Focus on the Promise Maker and not the problems.