Be careful then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Ephesians 515 a few weeks ago, we received nearly three inches of rain in less than 2 hours here in parts of California, streets were flooded right up to buildings. Cars floated, roads were shut down, parking lots became lakes and hail slush snow was so thick that it covered the ground and buildings in a winter wonderland. Ive witnessed nothing like this in over 30 years of living in California. In recent days. Since the storm hit the west coast, state reports have come in about serious flooding in Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, and my home state of Nebraska as well. Photos from friends and family show major freeways made impassable by floodwaters and entire towns being almost completely shut off. Crops have been ruined, homes and property severely damaged, and people have been left stranded until waters recede enough to allow them to safely return home. I don't know that all of this is a biblical omen warning that the end is near, but I do know that weather like this can have a devastating effect on the lives of those who are subjected to it, whether in California, the midwest, or elsewhere in the world. Loss of life may be minimal in most cases, but the damage wreaked by the storms and the loss of possessions and worldly goods is itself heartbreaking. True, cars and crops and houses are only things, and things can be replaced. But replacement comes at a price, and some things, family heirlooms and sentimental treasures, can never be recovered. I certainly don't want to moralize these tragic losses or underestimate the physical or emotional trauma suffered by those in the path of a storm. These things do, however, help us recognize that wealth and accomplishments, along with life itself, are very fragile and often short lived. What we have today could very well be gone tomorrow. These natural disasters, be they rain, flood, wind, earthquake, fire, or whatever else nature throws our way, reminds us that we human beings are not always in full control of what happens around us. We take the good, we take the bad, we add them up, and there we have the facts of life. We are wise to make the most of every opportunity we have in life, to enjoy every moment possible, to hug our kids and grandkids, to spend time with family and friends, to pray, worship, and praise the Lord for all that he has given to us. To those who have suffered heartache and loss in the wake of recent storms, I say simply hang tough. You are not forgotten. You are in our thoughts and prayers as we ask God to be with you. And even the most devastating times be safe. Everyone.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.