From the Home Place

March 12, 2026

This could be a tough one: Here in Lusk, we are looking at 63 for a high temperature, with 76 mph wind gusts, commonly known as hurricane force winds. High winds not only can cause damage to structures, but if a fire gets started!!! East and south of us folks are dealing with tornados, large hail and lots of rain. Earthquakes are running wild and the whole world is in upheaval. Is God trying to tell us something?

In Matthew 12:25, Jesus stated, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Now I don’t have much influence over what happens in the “kingdom,” or the “city” as far as they go, but I am responsible to manage our “house” as well as possible.

That means that those of us who call this place home, are responsible to not let circumstances divide us. Perhaps more than ever before, our homes need to be safe places as much as possible. All through time God has allowed difficulties to take place within the homes of His followers. Those difficult times reveal the real temperament of each home. There is nothing like financial and emotional stress to divide most homes.

Yet, in the midst of trying times we must do all that we can to “stand firm.” By putting on “the full armor of God,” and by living the Beatitudes, each home is well equipped to remain united. As Jesus prayed that the pressures of life would not divide the unity of His first disciples, we too need to be praying with and for the members of our household to remain united in Christ.

To me, a major part of surviving the times in which we live is to once again remind ourselves that God is in control. And as He has promised, He is right here with us, every minute of every day. During the times in which we live, we must not lean upon our own understanding, and especially not upon the understanding of the media, but upon the wisdom of our Heavenly Father and the promises of His word! For you see my friends, for as long as kingdoms, cities and homes have been divided down through the pages of history, God has always been God, and He still is.

Through all that this day, and this season of humanity will throw at us, we must keep our eyes “fixed upon Jesus,” the “author and perfector” of our faith. To me, that means that our faith is not yet perfect, but Jesus is doing His part to help develop within us a stronger faith that trusts Him fully regardless of the circumstances. Remember the old hymn which states, “Trust and obey, for there is no other way.” Regardless of how divided the world around you appears to be, your home can still be a place of unity and peace. In the words of Joshua, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Remember, you still get to set the temperature of your house, keep it warm and friendly!

So, for today, hang on to your hat and your faith. Remember, “God has got this!”

Standing firm with you, Neal