What have the people of Oklahoma done to make God so mad? Nothing.

My heart goes out to all those who were affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma and the Midwest. I can’t even imagine what it would be like.

Here in California, we have earthquakes. When we have an earthquake, it’s bad. People die, lose their homes, and more. But in most cases, we can look through the rubble, find pictures and grab some “keepsakes.” In a tornado, where do you start? What do you do when you come back to where your home used to be, only to find a cement slab? Where do you look for pictures, furniture and other items? Do you start five miles away? Ten miles? Do you even bother to look?

It’s heartbreaking. These people have to start over again. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.

With that in mind, don’t you become a victim. I’ve received many emails asking me to give to those in need.

Sure, just click on the link attached, and get screwed.

Many of us would be on site helping if we were close by, but we’re not. The next best thing is to send money. It’s easy to send electronically with the click of a button. Please don’t get sucked in. Stay with known entities: the Red Cross, United Way, and so on.

Several of the local media outlets are listing reputable organizations. Check them out. And don’t send “stuff.” They are begging for people to send money because they have store “stuff” and inventory “stuff” and then match it to individual needs. Money is just easier for them to deal with.

Back to my original thought.

I never professed to be a scholar, but I have been studying the Bible for many years. I do at least have a clue – not all the clues and answers, but a clue nonetheless.

God has set this planet, stars and other things in motion. We have air to breathe, water to drink, sun for nourishment. It’s great the way the rain falls and waters the plants and then fruit grows and we eat. Things are good and God is good.

People say to me, “Joe, look what God did in Oklahoma.” To that I reply, “Did He?” I say no, He didn’t! Insurance companies and ignorant (uninformed) people have blamed God for many things over the years.

First, many people who blame God for these disasters – acts of God – don’t even believe in Him. How hypocritical is that?

Second, many people who blame God for these things won’t let Him in their lives. They want Him out of schools, holidays, Christmas and so on.

My Christian friends know we have an enemy. Remember Satan? If God is love, why would He wipe out your home and family? What kind of love is that? That’s like telling your wife you love her just before you slap her. Really?

Now, here is where I will lose some of you. (Goodbye – see you next week.)

My Bible says, “The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy but I (Jesus/God) have come that you may have life and life more abundantly.”

God comes to give, Satan comes to take. Satan destroys. He perverts things. God created weather patterns to help the land and the earth to grow vegetation and to give us life, not kill people and destroy them.

God, not the devil, has worked in the hearts and minds of many to send them to help the victims of those storms, to bring them water and food and all their needs in this time – not the government (I know people get them confused at times).

So if you are a God-loving person, pray for the people in the affected areas. If you’re not a praying person, then send positive feelings their way. Just remember: God is not mad at the people in Oklahoma. He loves them, which is why He is sending them help.

God Bless America.

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary normally publishes Mondays.