We Pause to Remember But Has Anything Changed?

On September 11^th, we all pause to remember that 23yrs ago our country was viciously attacked by terrorists.  Our World Trade center of commerce and the Pentagon, the hub of our military command, were targeted while thousands of innocent people were killed without warning. Our core of security was badly shaken.

I remember standing in my kitchen watching the television as the second plane hit its mark. It seemed like only a movie or a horrible accident but it was not. My stomach fell as the news continued to unravel the horror. I am close enough to Boston so that afternoon we watched the Airforce jets flying overhead to survey the coastline.  This past Wednesday I paused to hear the bells rung and prayed for victims and families whose lives have forever changed.

How have we changed as a Nation?  After 9/11 there was a resurgence of people heading to church seeking God. Crying out in grief andlooking for answers, comfort and peace.  But time has passed and we have once again grown complacent and busy with our own affairs. Too busy for God.

 Many tighter security measures were put into place worldwide and especially at the airports.  Metal detectors are at large venues and cybersecurity is a daily concern.  But are we safe and secure as we once thought? No.  Our daily news explodes with violence within our streets. The answer is letting God back into our lives but new agendas are being taught that are void of a need for heavenly intervention. We are struggling to be one nation because we don’t acknowledge our need for Him.

Proverbs 14:26    In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

John 14:6    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 

What about you and me?  When we celebrate communion, no matter what your denomination, we are called to remember the cost Jesus paid on the cross. We are asked to repent of any sin whether in thought or action. Repentance means to change and not take His grace for granted.

Chronicles 7:14     if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Ephesians 2:12–14 a
Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ,…having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For he himself is our peace, 

Romans 12:2   Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We pause and reflect on His last supper with those early disciples.  They did not understand the significance of His words. They were unprepared for what would follow when their world was shattered.  Over the next 40 days they were comforted and instructed in the truth and challenged to live a new life.

I need to remember that I am blessed to live in the USA despite any and all flaws. I need to remember daily my need for a Savior. I should never leave the communion table and return to the same routine.  I cannot live void of His Holy Spirit to guide me in all areas of my life. My hope and security comes from a relationship with an ever present and all powerful God who holds me together even if my world is shattered. There is hope in this world by remembering God’s promises but we also look forward to the day when He returns.

John 14:1–3    Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?   And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

John 16:33   I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Do you remember my friend?   What has changed?   Are you a little more grateful and kind?  Do you trust in God for protection and peace rather than other people or the government?  Are you ready for His return?