We Will Never Forget!

Twenty-one years ago, on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America. They hijacked four passenger jets and crashed two into the World Trade Center’s twin towers and a third into the Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon, causing an enormous loss of life and tremendous damage. The fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside, killing all on board but falling well short of its intended target because of the heroic efforts of passengers on board.

Do you remember the words of President Bush at ground zero?
“I want you all to know that America today, America today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. This nation stands with the good people of New York City and New Jersey and Connecticut as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens,” Bush said. As Bush continued his speech in the chaotic setting using a megaphone that projected his voice, rescue workers yelled back, “We can’t hear you!” “I can hear you! I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you,” replied Bush. “And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”

The Lord HEARS YOU! Psalm 5:1-8,  “O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King, and my God, for I will never pray to anyone but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the slightest sin. Therefore, the proud will not be allowed to stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. You will destroy those who tell lies. The LORD detests murderers and deceivers. Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; with deepest awe, I will worship at your Temple. Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do and show me which way to turn.”

There is a way to face overwhelming moments in our lives, which is with God and one another!

Lamentations 3:18-26, “All hope is gone; my strength has turned to water, for the Lord has left me. Oh, remember the bitterness and suffering you have dealt to me! For I can never forget these awful years; always my soul will live in utter shame. Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him.”‘

God’s promises:

• “Your plans stand firm forever, so that any nation is blessed whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33
• “You are our Shepherd, delivering us from all evil even in the valley of the shadow of death.” Psalm 23

• “You will not disregard our cause but give strength to the weary until we soar again on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40
• “You know how to comfort those who mourn, bestow beauty for ashes, and provide garments of praise for a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61

• “I am the Resurrection and the Life so that whoever believes in Me will never die.” John 11
• “Though in the world you will have trouble, in me you can have peace for I have overcome the world.” John 16 
• “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand…girded your waist with truth…breastplate of righteousness…shod your feet…the shield of faith…helmet of salvation…sword of the Spirit…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-20

This passage takes us to Jesus. The only place where we can take a stand is at the feet of Jesus. We come to stand on His holy ground, and this is where we will overcome!

Before Jesus, TOGETHER
Pastor Steve