I still remember…it was the morning of September 11, 2001, I was sitting in my Hebrew class at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky when I first received a sketchy report of something happening in New York, Washington and the remote fields of Pennsylvania. Working on campus, I raced to my office to check the internet for news. Only one airplane, at the time, had hit the World Trade Center – the news was still fresh. I then raced to the library to behold what everyone else already knew; airplanes had been hijacked and used as missiles and bombs by crazed mad-men declaring war on the United States.
This is a day still fresh in the minds and hearts of every American. It is a day that you will never forget. Like my parents generation saying they remember the very spot they were when they heard the news of the assassination of President Kennedy, my generation will always remember the 11th of September and the terrible, tragic and evil events that unfolded that faithful morning.
I also remember the individuals from sea to shining sea flooding our churches the Sunday after the 11th. There was an overwhelming sense of spirituality that crept into American society. Senators were standing on the Capitol steps singing, “God Bless America.” People were praying, attending worship services, wearing yellow ribbons, proudly displaying American flags on their car and house. The United States was overwhelmed with grief and sadness at the life lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the fields of Pennsylvania. But I have to ask…What happened? In just a few short weeks after the tragedy of this day the churches started seeing a decline and business went back to usual. Have we forgotten what happened? Have we forgotten the sacrifice, the tears, the prayers, the songs? Now look at our nation. Have we learned any lessons from this day – I think not. We have forgotten. Is there hope?
The hope for America would be the same as the hope for any people. First of all, there must be a return to God as Creator, God as Creator and Law giver. Not just songs and prayers and tears. There must be a recognition of God’s supreme authority over us as a people. If this nation does not return to God as Creator and Law giver–the wrath that now lies upon us will continue.
Psalm 81:11 says, “But My people didn’t listen to My voice and Israel did not obey Me. I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart to walk in their own devices.” That’s it isn’t it? They wanted it and they got it. But then this, verse 13, “Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries. Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him.” In other words, it would become so popular that people would fake being spiritual. Then verse 16, “But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat; and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” There’s a promise, isn’t that? God says, “I let you go, but I could come back if you’ll turn to me.” The first point of turning is to turn to God as Creator and Law giver, and once you affirm that, then His law becomes your standard. There’s hope. You have to pray for that. If our nation will turn back to the Creator and the Law giver who is the true God and submit to His Word He will bless us. If not, the wrath will continue to unfold. Please remember!
Remember those who gave their lives on this day in 2001 for the cause of liberty, happiness and justice for all. Remember those who continue to give their lives on foreign soil every day for the cause of freedom. Support our troops, pray for our troops, pray for our President and love God.
Filed under: American History, Various Thoughts
Thank you for this posting. It reminded me of earlier this year when I was asked to offer a prayer at our city’s Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Unlike other times, I just was not able to ‘write out’ my prayer. Every time I went to write something, nothing came. I finally got the message; God was desiring I rely on Him in a new way, He would pull something up from my heart and I would not rely on my writing this time. In the pre-dawn morning of the event, I heard, “The war is not over church and state. It is over that God is Creator”. As I pondered this, it began to sink in. It is not about separation between church and state. It is about the separation of God from His creation. I read recently, “religion is substance without power”. In our country we are “devoted” to so many things, including devotion to ministry. I believe our lack of total devotion to Christ has made us without power in a world longing for manifestations of God. The beauty of Christ was and is His holiness, unswerving devotion and being set apart to the will of His father. His ministry has not changed. On earth, now in heaven, His unswerving devotion is to the Father and we are in Him. The whole earth is groaning for the revealing of the sons of God. May His beauty, His total devotion and consecration be our beauty. . . . the Spirit and the bride say “Come” . . .