Text Box: To say that we have had unusual weather lately would be an understatement. Last week we had an earthquake, which almost never happens on our coast, and we had a rare hurricane. In addition, August 2011 is officially the wettest month since New Jersey kept records. I hope you managed through the hurricane and floods without much hardship. By God’s grace, the church and my home did not lose power or have an issue with flooding. Many others did not fare as well. I have mixed feelings about how we prepared for the storm. In some ways the media and politicians terrified people with the severity of the coming storm. Maybe it was a good thing which saved lives and caused most of us to be extra cautious. On the other hand I feel lied to. I was told that high rise apartments would have windows blown out and we would all need a 5 day supply of water, nonperishable foods, and batteries to weather the cleanup. The truth is that it was windy and we had a lot of rain. Chronic flood zones were in danger and many trees fell in unpredictable ways. On example of playing into people’s fears is what I read this week in the Fort Lee Patch. The job of recovery from Irene will take time. Once everyone gets back to normal, Fort Lee residents should keep in mind that Irene may just have been a dress rehearsal. After all, this is just the start of hurricane season. In other words, the closest thing we have seen to a real hurricane in our lifetime, should scare us into believing another one is just around Text Box: the corner. I for one, refuse to live with that kind of fear. The truth is that we are living in uncertain times. Be it the economy, our dysfunctional political system, or the change in weather, life is less predictable. This month we are also reminded of the threat of terrorism at the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. All these reasons for fear should drive us all towards faith, prayer and trust in our Savior. Philippians 4:6,7 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. It is understandable that we are given to worries and fear. As believers we are called to turn our fears into prayers. As we pray, God’s peace comes to guard our hearts and minds as we are in Christ Jesus. I hope the events of recent days has caused people to turn towards God. Psalm 46:1-3 was part of my Sunday sermon. It says, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. May God continue to build our faith and trust in Him. He is faithful to see us through whatever storms may come our way. God bless! -Pastor Rick Text Box: Hope Through the Storms of Life Text Box: Fort Lee Gospel Church 1625 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024 (201)947-1465 Pastor: Rev. Rick Spenst Web site: www.fortleegospel.org E-mail: fortleegospel@juno.com

Scheduling Notes

2

Youth Trip

2

Faith & Reason

2

Sept Events

3

Men’s Retreat

3

Remembering 9/11

4

Sept Calendar

 
Text Box: Fort Lee Gospel Church Text Box: September 2011