Once again our nation has experienced tragedy in a school. This time a community college in a small close knit community in Oregon. Among the deceased were Christians who died for their faith. As happens in the face of evil, people turn to God for solace, understanding and comfort. Let us stand together in prayer that in the midst of the suffering, hearts will be open to Christ Jesus -- to receive Him as Savior and Lord.

The Psalms tell us much about wicked and evildoers and what happens to them. In the same Psalms, the Psalmist turns our focus to the blessings and security for those who trust in the Lord. Psalm 1 immediately gives us the contrast.

"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners Nor sits in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,
But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish."

Psalm 37 clearly speaks of this very thing. (Real all of this wonderful Psalm). There is a warning for those who belong to the Lord here, also.
"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing.
For evildoers will be cut off.
But those who wait for the Lord will inherit the land." Vs. 7-8

We must keep a guard on our hearts for anger can be a very destructive thing. Even "righteous" anger must be turned over to Christ -- put under His control; for it too, could lead to wrath and evildoing. Are we not hearing that violent and out of control anger, plays a role in these tragedies?

Ephesians 4:26-27 says,
"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity."

So then, let us trust our sovereign Lord in the midst of all that is taking place for He knows the beginning and the end! He is Almighty God!

We thank you Lord that you are in control of all things and it is Your love, mercy and amazing grace that will bring us home safely.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21