We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.   Hebrews 2:1-3
 
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.   Psalm 9:9-10

Hurricane Ike surged into Galveston, TX at 2 AM on September 13th, 2008 as a category 2 hurricane with a massive storm surge. The picture above shows a typical scene of wreckage along the Galveston coast. The storm surge and high winds destroyed boats, home, and lively hoods of thousands. The national death toll is estimated to be more than 90 people. An estimated 26 million were without power as a result of the storm. It was not the first hurricane to devastate Galveston, and it will probably not be the last. There isn't any place along the eastern US and Gulf coasts that is completely out of harm's way from a hurricane. Katrina, Andrew, Rita, and Gloria are just a few vivid reminders for me.

Hurricanes are like the storms in our lives. A friend or relative is diagnosed with a terminal cancer. Our life's savings gets ravaged from an economic downturn. The loss of a job, a home, a spouse through divorce, and loss of our health through accidents like falling down a stairwell or even catching the flu; these are just a few examples of storms, big and small, that come into our lives and may test our faith. The question is: what are we to do at times like these? Do we try the latest fad and hope for the best? Or do we go back to advice given centuries ago?

Franklin from Kemah, TX sailed his 37 foot Hunter sailboat from Kemah south to Galveston to weather the storm. He used two anchors; one set out 300 foot off the bow, and a second 200 foot off the bow. Winds reach 135 mph. Wave after wave crashed over his little boat. Some water entered the cabin and he worked the manual and electric bilge pumps. For 6 hours he moved between cabin and cockpit wearing a motorcycle helmet and rain suit over his swim suit. The helmet kept the wind and pelting rain out of his eyes, and the rain suit shielded his skin from needle like stings. When it was over, he motored back to Kemah to where his marina used to be. It was wiped clean. Anyone tied up to docks or mooring in the harbor were now gone. The marina store was gone.

Max Lucado in his book titled Six Hours One Friday, gives some important lessons for weathering the storms in our life. We must pay careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away; our salvation comes from Jesus. We can weather the storms in our life best by anchoring deep to Jesus, praying and holding on. As Franklin set his anchors far out and deep, set anchors for your mind, soul and life in the rock of Jesus. You too can weather the storm.

Dear Jesus: Even though my boat is small in this huge sea of life, I find safety by anchoring to your salvation. May I always remember the promises of old still apply to my life, and set anchors for my mind body and spirit to the rock of your salvation, and give thanks to you for all things. Amen.

Contributed by Richard
Sunday November 16, 2008
Liturgical Year A Week 51
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 33 (Proper 28)
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost