PLANES CRASH INTO WTC in NYC

As much as everything we saw was heart-wrenching beyond belief, I think I was most stirred by the sight of 100+ members of Congress singing "God Bless America" outside the Capitol following brief speeches by Tom Daschle and Denny Hastert.

I was moved to tears, partly by the spontaneity of the prayerful hymn, and perhaps even more so by anger at the hypocrisy of so many of the faces I recognized who have trampled the name of the very God to whom they appeared to sing.

 

You know what I have found amazing in all of this? And it just hit me just now, while reading these posts and listening to the news...

All of these political figures who have condemned prayer in schools and such and act offened at the mere mention of God, have suddenly made an about face. They are now ASKING us to pray and ASKING for God to bless America. I'm not knocking that, don't get me wrong...but it just goes to show the power of our God. To look and see and hear these people turning to God is a blessing and dare I say what America sorely needed.

Please don't misunderstand me, I am appalled by this vicious act of violence against humanity and I will continue to pray for those who no longer have a mommy or a daddy or a grandpa or a grandma, etc. This truly breaks my heart. This is the verse in the Bible that has ministered to my heart today, I hope it encourages you all too.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kathy
&lt;&gt;&lt;

 

all things do .. .

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by katie:


we must also pray for those who did this. And are commanded by God to forgive. Although thats going to be very difficult.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Do you suggest that sixty years ago we should have prayed for and forgiven the Japanese and Hitler and allowed them to kill more millions than they did?

On what Biblical grounds should the attitude forgiveness be extended to these people?

 

The prayers of the saints are being heard on high! This afternoon the National Guard, which joined the rescuers have found and rescued 4 people from under the rubble who were alive. They also reported that there are people in several other areas under tons of rubble who called out on their cell phones and asked for help. The rescue team has identified the places where they are, and are working on their deliberation. So please keep praying!

 

God is not the author of confusion.

The Lord knows exactly what He is doing and as His children we don't need to worry but we do need to pray.

At times where there is concern for our safety around us is the time when we need to show love and compassion for one another.

The Lord will never fail us and no matter what happens He will never give us something that we can not handle He is faithful and He will never leave us. Trust in Him and He will extend His peace and mercy.

Peace and joy and mercy do not depend upon circumstances or situations they only come from the Lord and by having that close intimate relationship with Him. He gives us peace and mercy within and no one can take that from you.

The Lord will strengthen you as you follow Him.

Cyndi

 

Friends today has been so very stressful. Those of us that were on the board this morning it was almost like a chat room on this thread. We comforted each other, passed along news reports, and let off steam.

Thanks to everyone for their support and prayers today. I felt relitively safe sitting in middle america, but that did not mean I was not scared. My prayers go out to everyone effected by this tradgey. I thank God that I did not have any relitives in the NY or Washington areas.

Why did this happen? Only the Father knows his reasons for allowing this to happen. The events of today were truely the work of Satan. I will not even speculate on if this could be the beginning of the end, because we will not know untill Jesus calls us home.

Ill quit rambling and end this by simply saying Im gald everyone here is safe and sound tonight.

 

It has registered with me that our nation is doing exactly what the nation of Isrial did. Turn from God. Crisis comes. Turn back to God. God delivers. Turn from God. Repeat process until delievered into the hands of foriegn nations...

Until Next Post, Adam

 

It is very comforting to me that it was President Bush and not President Gore that was addressing the nation tonight. Let us pray that he has the backbone to do what is necessary. Yesterday's events were an act of war, and should be treated as such. I am glad I can still see some of God's grace in this horrendous circumstance.

FundamentalDan

 

I agree with Kathy's choice of scripture there...what a comfort it brings. Tonight during our emergency prayer meeting our pastor also spent just a few moments on another on that I really do believe is befiting for this situation:

Philippians 4:6-9
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

I say this knowing that I'm setting myself up for quite a bit here from people who disagree but, that passage spoke to my heart so much because before I meditated on that, I was kind of walking around in a state of shock. The fact that this was happening with our nation just seemed so surreal to me. I found myself glued to the news and thinking about all the devastation. I feel the Holy Spirit now guiding me to do what is asked of me in the last half of the aforementioned passage and to begin thinking on all of the things that the passage instructs. Sure, a tragedy occured in America today, But I am 100% confidant that my Saviour can and WILL triump, he will be able to use this situation for his glory. Since meditating on this passage and following it's instruction I have started to see all the opportunity that this has availed to us christians. People are searching for answers now. They are searching for reasurance, for a sense of safety. Lives have been shattered, people have been broken. I believe that is when God works in the lost sinners heart, (us saved sinners too!)they have to be at the point of brokeness, once that happens, God can put them back together...in the way he intends for them to be. Now is the time that christians need to band together and form their own Army....GOD'S ARMY and go out there and bring all those lost souls home! Pray for me this morning. One of my dearest friends is from Thailand and she is buddist. Over the course of the last year I have had several occasions to witenss to her and surprisingly enough, she even asked me to tell her about my God because her son had been asking her and telling her that he wanted to know about Alex's (my son) God. AND SHE READ THE BIBLE TO HIM. But, alas, her beleif is just so different and when it comes to the buddist and many like that, it is a huge traditional thing, so much to where if she were to come to God and tell her family she said they would disown her. Please pray that the Holy Spirit...not me, speaks to her in the morning. There's such a barrier there in culture and I have to keep in mind that from the time she was knee high to a grasshopper, she was taught of Budda, when I first started witnessing to her I couldn't understand why she wasn't just opening her eyes and seeing that God was the only one...the Lord worked in my heart on that one and gave me the understanding I needed and also the patience. But in being patient, I'm afraid that I am failing God with her because I do really love her to death, she is such an absolutly wonderful woman...but the fact remains that if she doesn't come to God, she will be a wonderful woman burning in hell. I've avoided that subject with her and tend to talk around it. I have done whatever possible NOT to be direct about that...so, she and I are getting together for coffee in the morning and I'm going to do it right which is why I beg you to pray that the Holy Spirit just takes over and takes control of my tongue and what comes out of my mouth.

I got a little off track, but the point was...that's what this tragedy has turned into for me...opportunity. If i didn't think it'd do more harm than good I'd want to go outside with a megaphone and proclaim his word!!!!

My prayer will be that not only will the Lord give us the opportunity to share his word and love with others, but that he will open our hearts and make us aware when an opportunity is there! God be with you all!!!

 

They are finding a lot of clues, especially with the person on the plane who gve the seat # of the hijacker. This leads to a Rent--car, with Arabic flight manuals found, and I hearing of 5 people with Arabic names, and now they're trying to find some flight school instructor from Florida, if I got it right.

Praise God, some people are slowly being rescued from under the rubble.

 

[Quote by Dr. Woodrow Kroll

This is the most difficult day of my life. That apparent terrorist attacks could bring such death and destruction to unsuspecting people is absolutely unthinkable. Yet the numbers of the dead and wounded from these attacks will be extraordinary.

In the midst of our stunned disbelief, as Christians we must respond appropriately. How are we to do so? Here's what I glean from God's Word.

First, trust God fully and solely. Psalm 119:114, "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." God has proven Himself to be trustworthy in the past; He can be trusted now.

Second, have courage in the face of tragedy. "Be strong and of good courage...Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:5-7,9). This is the time for our nation to be strong, and Christians are the strength of our nation.

Third, as Christians we have both the privilege and the responsibility to pray. The situation is serious, but God is strong. "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Here are some prayer points:

* the victims and families of the World Trade Center attack

* the victims of other apparent terrorist attacks throughout the country

* the President and his aides as they formulate a response

* the response of Christians who minister to those who hurt

Fourth, don't give up hope. The psalmist asked, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?" and then he responded, "Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him" (Psalm 43:5).

God is in control. Trust Him and pray without ceasing. Hope in God.

By His Grace,


Woodrow Kroll
President and Senior Bible Teacher

-------------------------------------------------------------
To agree in prayer with Dr. Kroll, please visit our Web site: www.backtothebible.org Quote]


God bless and keep us in this time of sorrow, Kenneth

 

My apologies to those that believe otherwise; but Pennsylvania Jim has the correct attitude on this one.

When we are told to turn the other cheek, we are NOT being told to disregard the safety of our family, church family, friends, etc.

In fact, to NOT do what is necessary to protect those that God has placed us in charge of, is worse than not turning the other cheek when a brother offends us.

Simply put: If we don't do something to protect our loved ones from future violence, then we are guilty of not being good stewards of that which God has entrusted to us.

 

===Do you suggest that sixty years ago we should have prayed for and forgiven the Japanese and Hitler and allowed them to kill more millions than they did?

On what Biblical grounds should the attitude forgiveness be extended to these people? ===

Forgiveness does not mean there are no conquenses to actions.
Jesus Himself commanded forgivness, if you, yourself want to be forgiven. Our attitudes must continue to be christ centered, if we are to to be christ like, and continue to show the world that we as christians are different. Unforgiveness measn nothing to the one who is unforgiven. Your post is less then christ centered, ot biblical.

 

In Romans 13, we find that government is in place to be a terror to evil. There is a reason the government was ordained by God to use the sword. Retaliation by a government is not the same as blind revenge. To turn the other cheek at this is to give up and allow terrorists to control us.

Please take the time to read Romans 13:1-7!

On an individual level, we are taught to love our enemies, but at a government level, they are justified to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil!

 

Interesting thoughts!

I have just heard from the boston news channel that this whole attack was planned in my state 30 minutes from my home...wow!

Logan airport for now is closed and has been declared a crime scene. They are doing their best to reopen it soon.

I am really grieving finding some I knew (not personally but casually) are now gone. It is really hitting me so close because my own husband was suppose to fly out yesterday but changed his plans.

Our church is having a memorial service tonight...I don't really want to go just want to stay home and be alone. But I really want to take my children to teach them what has really happened and what these kind of services are about. My husband wants to be there so I am following his leading.

Well I know that my Lord is in control and He will never give me above that which I am able. He has never failed me and never will and everything He allows is for a reason and I trust in Him to protect me and fulfill His will in my life and I thank Him for saving me and loving me.

Cyndi

[ September 12, 2001: Message edited by: Cyndib ]

 

I went to church last night to meet before visitation as we always do, thinking that no one would be there and our visitation would be cancelled (I was even hoping it would be). I'm glad that I was wrong! There were the same faces there that are there every Tuesday night and I was grateful for them! Our Pastor talked a little bit about the situation and reminded us thru scripture that our God IS in control and we should continue to stand on Christ our solid rock! Before leaving, we prayed and then opened our hymn books and sang "My Country Tis of Thee"...those words to that song that we sang and have sung for years and years had a totally different meaning last night and brought tears to my eyes. While out on visitation, my partner and I were able to witness USING this situation for the Kingdom of Heaven. Only God can soften the hearts of our people now and I pray for their salvation.

I thank Him that we have Him to lean on in times such as these and His words echo in my head and in my heart:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Although the entire verse doesn't apply here, there is a promise "....I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This promise alone sustains me!

Kathy
&lt;&gt;&lt;

 

I would like to share with you my devotion last night that helped me in this terrible time:

Psalm 9
1
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
2
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
3
When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
5
Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6
O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7
But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8
And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
9
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11
Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
12
When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
13
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
14
That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
15
The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
16
The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
17
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
18
For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
19
Arise, O LORD; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
20
Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.

Until Next Post, Adam

 

I am NOT going to be popular for saying this.

So be it.

Here is a message which I found quite thought provoking regarding the attacks in New York and Washington:

1. WHY DO THEY HATE US? One of my closest and most trusted advisors who owns
his own business called me yesterday, and told me how one of his employees
asked him this question : "Why did they do this? Why do they hate the United
States?" The answer was clear to me, and to my advisor, and to other leaders I talked to yesterday on the phone, but is curiously absent from most of the news coverage we've been seeing on the television. Many of
us saw the celebrations by Palestinians and others in the Mid-East, and we
were shocked by the sheer joy certain elements within the Arab world were
expressing over the horrific deaths of so many Americans.

The answer? Islamic fundamentalists hate the United States because we are the world's leading exporters of filth in the form of movies, music, fashion, and drug culture. They do not see us as exemplars of democracy and freedom. They see us as the inventors of the Internet, the world's most
powerful pornography distribution network. They see the United Nations,
Planned Parenthood International, and the powerful secular foundations
spending hundreds of millions of dollars promoting and exporting abortion,
contraception, and homosexuality. They remember how our previous president
ordered the bombing--and, in their eyes--murder, of innocent civilians the
day before his impeachment vote. They see our long-standing support of
Israel, their implacable enemy. In short, they hate the United States
because they see us as an immanent threat to their culture. They were
already at war with the West before September 11th. Throughout the
centuries, elements within Islam have been at war with Christianity--and
indeed, anyone who does not profess Islam--but in this case, one would not
be completely untruthful to characterize the current conflict as a war
against the anti-Christian elements represented by western culture.

Of course we do not believe this "act of war" against innocent civilians is
justified, but we did think somebody needed to answer the question my
friend's employee asked.

And then this reply from a friend of mine in Canada:

Who are the "good guys" and who are the "bad guys" here is all a matter of perception. America has done much harm to Muslim nations by forcing the starvation and death of many thousands of people so they can remain rich and fat. They provide arms to Israel so that Israel may kill them. If you were them how would you see America? Neither side are really the "good guys." But there are innocent people - on both sides. Pray for them. America needs to practice restraint and so does my nation of Canada. Now that we harbored America's planes yesterday, we are viewed by the Muslims as totally one with America. There is no justification for paying them with an equal evil unless we want to be as low as they are. If we attack and kill the innocent Muslims, we are no better than Osama bin Laden killing innocent Americans. All have become the pawns of evil plotting, one serving the god "Democracy" and doing evil under the name of "Good" and another serving the God of Islam doing evil under the name of "Good." Let us practice sober restraint and bring the perpetrators to justice, not bring our world into an escalation of evil by promoting it in the name of what we like to call "the good."


What think ye?

Covenant Theologian

Pr 18:10 ¶ The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.