Good evening brethren and Happy Sabbath!  Last week's memory verse was Leviticus 23:24 (NKJV), " "Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation."  Read below for signs of this week's memory verse!

A devastating storm

This past week marked the first major storm of Hurricane season - Dorian.  And while we were spared for the most part here in the Carolinas, there was devastating loss in the Bahamas.  At the time of this writing, it seems there are at least 30 dead and hundreds, if not thousands unaccounted for.

As I gazed up into the heavens over the past few days, I was amazed as to how the sky could go from clear and blue, to clouds and wind, then back to clear and blue within 48 hours or so.  And as I thought about the destruction and loss that happened in that time, the mourning from those who perhaps trace their roots to the early tribes that settled those islands, I was comforted about another vision everyone will see in those skies some day.

A different kind of storm coming

That vision of course, is the return of Jesus Christ.  While you and I look forward to it, most of the world will not.  While we will be rejoicing, most will be mourning. People of every tribe, race, religion and creed will not understand the signs that appear in heaven at Christ's return, nor what His purpose will be.  It is at that time that Christ will put an end to all rebellious forms of government and beliefs, as well as many of the natural disasters brought on by Satan's attempt to destroy God's creation. This is for the best of course, but many will not understand what is happening as it unfolds.

Weathering the storm

While we can not stop disasters like Hurricane Dorian from happening, we can do a small part to help those affected by it.  In fact, if you'd like to contribute directly to the brethren affected by the storm, you can do so by clicking here via United Church of God's Good Works program.

Some day, the Son of Man, Jesus Christ Himself, will appear in the heavens, signaling a new era for humanity.  His return will be with the power and glory to take charge not just of the environment, but all kingdoms of the world.  While some will mourn His return, you and I look forward to it with rejoicing. Until then, we endure. May God speed that day!