"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalm 91:1-2

As Hurriucane Irene approached the East Coast of the U. S. last week, I began praying for the safety of family members and friends who lived in the path of the oncoming storm. I reached out and made contact by social media and phone to make sure everyone was getting prepared. Batteries. Flashlights. Water enough to last 72 hours. You know the drill!
Then the LORD directed me, in no uncertain terms, to seek higher ground!

So, during the height of Hurricane Irene, on the last Saturday and Sunday in August, I was on a mountaintop in Shepherdstown, WV!

The sun was shining gloriously on a beautiful setting of magnificent, blue mountains. Sparkling streams flowed through the lush, verdant valleys surrounding this historic, university town. It was truly a breathtaking fortress of natural beauty, a refuge from the hurricane that raged down below!

I have family roots, on my father's side, in WV, so it was a homecoming of sorts for me. And in that peaceful, mountaintop refuge, I spent some real, quality time with my heavenly Father, in reflection and prayer!

This is one of the things which was revealed to me there. Earthquakes and hurricanes will surely come into our lives. They may strike suddenly, threatening to endanger or destroy cherished relationships and many of our hopes and dreams. We will be challenged and confronted by harsh, brutal conditions overwhich we have little or no control.

We may be rocked by eathquakes in our careers or finances! Perhaps we may experience  hurricanes in our marriages or church home.

But I just stopped by to tell you that when the earthquakes and hurricanes of life strike, we have a refuge, a strong fortress we can always go to! His name is Jesus! Just call on that name and He will rescue you from the violent rumblings of your life. He can speak to your personal hurricane, "Peace, be still." And calm your stormy seas. (See Matthew 8:23-27.)

He is a true refuge; a very present help in a time of trouble. Trust me, when trouble approaches seek the higher ground in Him!.

Until next time,

Stay Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard

Social media is all about connecting with people and engaging in online conversations about the issues of everyday life! For me as a Christian, that means engaging from a perspective of faith.

I'm excited about engaging with others on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking platforms. We have incredible conversations about purpose, faith, family, and goals and dreams.
 
Social media is also about fulfilling the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissions us to take the gospel to every nation. Social media is custom-made to do just that! It is global. instantaneous, and provides innumerable hyperlinks allowing for even more connections over the web. The interactive Web 2.0 features of most social network platforms add even more possibilities to share, organize and collaborate around faith.

Join in the conversation with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ at Kenneth Lillard, and on Twitter @revkenlillard! Also, check out my blog, Faith Based Media 2.0 for discussions about social networking, faith, and technology.

Look for updates on how you can use social media more creatively and effectively on these blog pages soon!
 
What are your thoughts on faith and social networking?

Until next time,

Stay Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard