The news of the morning...fires continue to ravage the drought-stricken State of Texas, while flooding and the possibility of tornadoes from Tropical Depression Lee threatens the eastern United States. The east coast is still recovering from last week's earthquake in Virginia and Hurricane Irene, as Hurricane Katya moves toward us in the Atlantic.
Film footage this morning on the Early Show showed residents fleeing their homes in Texas while towering flames and billowing smoke rose in the background. As they were heading toward safety, a lone police car was driving in the opposite direction, straight toward the flames.
This Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks on our country. Images of that day are seared in the memories of Americans everywhere. We will always remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news of the attack on the first tower of the World Trade Center. Glued to televisions, Americans watched in horror and disbelief as a second plane crashed into the South Tower. As in Texas, while occupants of the North and South Towers were fleeing for their lives, New York police and firefighters were suited up and going in. It was their job, you say. Yes, that's true; but they could have chosen another profession, one with less risk. But they chose instead to protect the buildings, homes, and citizens of their city, a living testament to the motto, "New York's Bravest".
Throughout this week and weekend, newscasts will focus on the tenth anniversary of 911, but public prayer will be glaringly absent from the memorial service agenda in NYC. Following the terrorist attacks, churches and synagogues were filled with people calling out to God for His divine protection for our nation. And yet, ten years later God isn't invited...what a sad commentary to the spiritual condition of our nation. What hope, what encouragement for our future, can possibly be given--apart from God? Do they not know that His very word spoke this world into existence? Likewise, His very word can also remove it!
I give my thanks and appreciation to the first responders, policemen, firefighters, and EMT's who risk their lives daily for us. But, I give my praise and worship to my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, who gave His life for me. Through Christ, my sins have been forgiven, and I have assurance of an eternal home with Him in Heaven, one day.
II Chronicles 7:14 says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will 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."
Our land is desperately in need of healing, and its people are desperately in need of a Savior. But, over the past ten years, I haven't seen much humbling and turning from wicked ways. What's that sound I hear? Could it be Gabriel running through the scales, tuning up his trumpet? Only Christians can pray as John did, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Copyright 2011 Charlotte Laney
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