I, perhaps like you, have been concerned about our nation: the immoral actions, the irreverence of people, the lack of manners, the unappreciative attitude, the downward spiral of economics, and the lack of spiritual devotion in the life of believers.
I was reflecting on September 11, 2001. We as a nation watched the horrible day unfold before our eyes in New York City, Washington, DC, and a field in Pennsylvania.
What was to be a plot of sinister terrorism to destroy our nation, became a world stage on which American and Christian workers came to be courageous and patriotic.
Right before our own eyes, we saw II Chronicles 7:14 come to life: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The September 11, 2001 attacks were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Quaeda against the United States. Two thousand nine hundred and ninety five (2,995) people lost their lives. The drama unfolded across the world. Expressions of care and attempts to help with any needs were absolutely wonderful. Americans came together for the good of others. When so many things went down, we say some things went up:
1. Our Christian sensitivity to what is truly important went up. We realized that our family and lives are more important than the “games we play everyday.” Who could forget the twin towers in New York City crashing down and people jumping out the windows? Sensitivity was definitely up!
2. People were praying “God bless America” and flag sales skyrocketed to an all time high.
The so-called “drought of patriotism” had ended and people were flying the red, white, and blue in all fifty states. Flags were definitely up!
3. Americans were not so cynical and curt to each other after the dark day of distress. Respect, care, courage, and compassion was the order of the day. Appreciation for our President, our congressional leaders, our Judges and elected officials was at an unprecedented level. Appreciation was up!
4. The national poll groups report showed that church attendance swelled during those weeks after 911. People saw the real need to read their Bibles and attend worship in the House of God.
Church attendance was up!
5. Matthew 11:28 states, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Americans needed God for peace and rest. Prayer was on the agenda daily because of fears, concern for safety with uncertainty. Prayer was up!
In human tragedy and upheavals, America has turned to God. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR US! So, in my reflection, I ask the question, "Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it wouldn’t take another trajedy or upheaval for people to turn to God?"
A statement by Billy Graham shouts out a truth “If God does not judge America, He may have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”
I was reflecting on September 11, 2001. We as a nation watched the horrible day unfold before our eyes in New York City, Washington, DC, and a field in Pennsylvania.
What was to be a plot of sinister terrorism to destroy our nation, became a world stage on which American and Christian workers came to be courageous and patriotic.
Right before our own eyes, we saw II Chronicles 7:14 come to life: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The September 11, 2001 attacks were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Quaeda against the United States. Two thousand nine hundred and ninety five (2,995) people lost their lives. The drama unfolded across the world. Expressions of care and attempts to help with any needs were absolutely wonderful. Americans came together for the good of others. When so many things went down, we say some things went up:
1. Our Christian sensitivity to what is truly important went up. We realized that our family and lives are more important than the “games we play everyday.” Who could forget the twin towers in New York City crashing down and people jumping out the windows? Sensitivity was definitely up!
2. People were praying “God bless America” and flag sales skyrocketed to an all time high.
The so-called “drought of patriotism” had ended and people were flying the red, white, and blue in all fifty states. Flags were definitely up!
3. Americans were not so cynical and curt to each other after the dark day of distress. Respect, care, courage, and compassion was the order of the day. Appreciation for our President, our congressional leaders, our Judges and elected officials was at an unprecedented level. Appreciation was up!
4. The national poll groups report showed that church attendance swelled during those weeks after 911. People saw the real need to read their Bibles and attend worship in the House of God.
Church attendance was up!
5. Matthew 11:28 states, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Americans needed God for peace and rest. Prayer was on the agenda daily because of fears, concern for safety with uncertainty. Prayer was up!
In human tragedy and upheavals, America has turned to God. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR US! So, in my reflection, I ask the question, "Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it wouldn’t take another trajedy or upheaval for people to turn to God?"
A statement by Billy Graham shouts out a truth “If God does not judge America, He may have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”