Lasting Love
I type this on the heels of praise band practice. I want to say that I look forward to our rehearsals every week, and I've missed them over the summer. Seriously, I love being with these guys. It feels like every time we come together to practice, we do so much more than learn songs, compare music sheets, and alternate chords. When we come together, we worship. Our hearts become united. The Holy Spirit just comes down and takes over the entire thing. From the moment we gather in prayer to the end of practice, it's a time I get inspired by the Spirit of Almighty God, and He sets my soul on fire all over again. It really is about more than just the music. It's about an expression of our love and submission to Christ. Praise Him for His mercy and love.
It's difficult to disconnect from that. There have been times that I've cringed at leaving worship practice to return to the real world. Because sadly, it's a world where Satan is in business. Greed, corruption, hate, discord, crime, and immorality run rampant. What's to look forward to in surroundings like that?
Plenty. The Bible says, "the fields are ripe for the harvest." We as Christians are called by God to be the salt and light to those who need it. And that includes those ready to shun the message of the gospel and all of those who embrace its teachings. Jesus didn't teach us to hide from the world. He didn't tell us to spout litugical phrases and then go hide in secluded holes. Jesus taught us to go out. Love our neighbors. Pray for those who persecute us. Live our lives are models of integrity and faith filled with the Holy Spirit. It's that same Spirit that wins lost people to Christ, just like it did for me as a child. The message of Christ's love and grace is for everyone; it's far from a private religion aimed at making us feel better. It's a deep, heartfelt expression of our sinful natures, and our cry for God to cleanse us with the fire of the Spirit and purify us anew. That's a love that is lasting. Eternally lasting.
That love especially hits me today, on the fourth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. I can remember every detail about that harrowing day, but most of all, I remember the ways God worked even in the midst of evil. Firefighters and rescue workers risking death to enter the rubble of the Twin Towers to search for survivors. Ordinary citizens hurrying out to their local American Red Cross to donate blood in record numbers. Republicans and Democrats putting aside their past differences (if only for a time) to stand united in singing "God Bless America." The heroism and courage demonstrated by the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 such as Todd Beamer, who continues to inspire me to this day. Prayer and candlelight vigils held in communities including Furman, where several friends I watched graduate last June had only spent their first day as freshmen.
I choose not to dwell on the heartache and sorrow of that day, but instead to reflect on the life lessons that God taught. Dependence on God is our only true security. Every other foundation in our lives will eventually fail. And the love of Christ can shine even in the darkest hours, when it seems evil has struck a mortal blow. God doesn't take a backseat as tragedies unfold. He's right there working before, during, and after they occur. His light is the refuge in which we find comfort. Even the symbolic "Tribute in Light" towers are mere symbols compared to the light of Christ. I pray that the friends and families of those who lost loved ones four years ago will either find or remember that peace.
It's difficult to disconnect from that. There have been times that I've cringed at leaving worship practice to return to the real world. Because sadly, it's a world where Satan is in business. Greed, corruption, hate, discord, crime, and immorality run rampant. What's to look forward to in surroundings like that?
Plenty. The Bible says, "the fields are ripe for the harvest." We as Christians are called by God to be the salt and light to those who need it. And that includes those ready to shun the message of the gospel and all of those who embrace its teachings. Jesus didn't teach us to hide from the world. He didn't tell us to spout litugical phrases and then go hide in secluded holes. Jesus taught us to go out. Love our neighbors. Pray for those who persecute us. Live our lives are models of integrity and faith filled with the Holy Spirit. It's that same Spirit that wins lost people to Christ, just like it did for me as a child. The message of Christ's love and grace is for everyone; it's far from a private religion aimed at making us feel better. It's a deep, heartfelt expression of our sinful natures, and our cry for God to cleanse us with the fire of the Spirit and purify us anew. That's a love that is lasting. Eternally lasting.
That love especially hits me today, on the fourth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. I can remember every detail about that harrowing day, but most of all, I remember the ways God worked even in the midst of evil. Firefighters and rescue workers risking death to enter the rubble of the Twin Towers to search for survivors. Ordinary citizens hurrying out to their local American Red Cross to donate blood in record numbers. Republicans and Democrats putting aside their past differences (if only for a time) to stand united in singing "God Bless America." The heroism and courage demonstrated by the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 such as Todd Beamer, who continues to inspire me to this day. Prayer and candlelight vigils held in communities including Furman, where several friends I watched graduate last June had only spent their first day as freshmen.
I choose not to dwell on the heartache and sorrow of that day, but instead to reflect on the life lessons that God taught. Dependence on God is our only true security. Every other foundation in our lives will eventually fail. And the love of Christ can shine even in the darkest hours, when it seems evil has struck a mortal blow. God doesn't take a backseat as tragedies unfold. He's right there working before, during, and after they occur. His light is the refuge in which we find comfort. Even the symbolic "Tribute in Light" towers are mere symbols compared to the light of Christ. I pray that the friends and families of those who lost loved ones four years ago will either find or remember that peace.
Sigh. I can say no more...
Song of the Day: Bebo Norman - "You Are So Good to Me"
Verse of the Day: "My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you." - Isaiah 54:10
posted by david @ 7:28 PM
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