MESSAGES
These last few days have been very dark days in the history of—not only our nation, but the history of the entire world. Two hijacked commercial airplanes plowed into the side of both Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City killing perhaps as many 10,000 people. Included in this number are some 200+ New York City fire personnel, including the Chief and Deputy Chief. Also killed were some 30+ police officers along with many members of the New York City bomb squad.
Shortly after this, another hijacked commercial airplane crashed into the side of the Pentagon Building killing perhaps as many as 200 people.
Shortly after that, still another hijacked commercial airplane, perhaps on its way toward Camp David, crashed in the fields of Summerset, Pennsylvania.
This past Tuesday the world saw evil at its worst. Today there are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers whose . . . mother and father, husband and wife, and sons and daughters will not be coming home. The evil actions of faceless cowards have taken the lives of these innocent people who now lie under the rubble.
Today is a very dark hour in our lives. But, the darkest hour always precedes the brightest dawn. Right now many people feel helpless and hopeless. They feel as if this is an impossible situation to deal with, that there isn’t a solution to this problem.
People are asking the question—Why? Why did God allow this to happen? I want you to know there is a reason for what has happened, and there is an answer to overcoming and being victorious over what has happened.
There are many different reasons why this horrific event took place. One reason is because this world we live in is made up of sinful people, to include ourselves. The Bible says, “There is none righteous, no, not one. . .There is none who does good, no, not one” (Romans 3:10, 12). Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (17:9).
Another reason this evil act occurred is because a group of wicked, sick, and demonic people hate the nation of Israel, and any nation who supports Israel. They believe that nation must be destroyed along with Israel.
This event is a sign of the last days that Jesus spoke about in the gospels of Matthew (ch. 24) and Luke (ch. 18). It is a sign that we are living in the perilous times that Paul writes about in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Jesus says, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28). It is a sign the Jesus Christ is coming for His church very soon.
There is another reason this has happened, particularly to the United States. I believe that God is trying to wake us up out of our spiritual slumber. It’s way past time for America to come back to God, to return to her spiritual roots. It’s time for the church to wake up out of its apathetic state and begin following her marching orders once again. Our orders are to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
God told Abraham some 4000 years ago, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curse you” (Genesis 12:3). The United States of America has always been and continues to be a friend of Israel. We have always shown our support to Israel, and because of it we—as a nation, have been blessed by God. The Psalmist writes, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12). God has chosen to bless our nation with many blessings. But we have taken His blessings and have tossed them aside to our own destruction (Proverb 14:12).
Though we call our country a “Christian nation”, the truth of the matter is, we are not a Christian nation. Yes, our nation was built on Christian principles, but those principles have been for the most part—discarded. We are a nation who has turned her back on God. We have told God that we want nothing to do with Him; that we are going to live life our way and not His way.
We are fulfilling the words of Isaiah the prophet when he said, “Woe to those who call good evil, and evil good” (5:20). We are the people who Paul said, “Knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:32; emphasis added). But it’s never too late to change. God 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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
God did not cause this tragedy to occur, but yes, He did allow it to occur. Why didn’t He stop it? He certainly could have because after all He is sovereign. He is all-powerful, He is all-wise, He is all-loving. Why then did He not stop it? I honestly don’t have a complete answer to that question. All I can say is what God says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). Paul reminds us that Gods ways are past finding out (Romans 12:33).
Satan was hoping to tear our nation apart, but ended up bringing us together. He had hoped to make us a fearful nation, when all he did was strengthen our resolve as a nation. The Bible reminds us that, “All things work together for good to those who love God. . .” (Romans 8:28). I do believe that last Tuesday was the day that Satan shot himself in the foot. What the devil meant for evil, God has turned around for good.
For instance, our Congress has finally agreed on something. Our Congress is now telling us to pray. Where are the ACLU, and the People for the American Way now? Why haven’t they protested when the Congress of the United States not only prayed together, but also sang “God Bless America” on the steps of the Capitol? Wherever they are, may they remain there. Today the churches are packed with people wanting to know the answer to the question--why? The gospel is now being preached like never before. Thousands of people are putting their faith and trust in Christ. Indeed, all things do work together for good. Satan’s plan has once again backfired in his face.
I believe God is trying to wake-up our nation and His church out of its apathetic state. He wants America to return back to Him. He is giving our nation and this world one more opportunity for spiritual revival.
America has experienced her darkest day in all her history, and yet, against this dark and awful cloud are two little words that stick out like a rainbow; two words that can turn our utter hopelessness into eternal hopefulness; two words that can bring comfort and peace to our lives in the midst of all the confusion. These 2 words are—but God!
What might be too hard for us and too hard for others to deal with is never too hard for God. God has a remedy for what has happened, and His remedy is—God Himself. No matter how dark the cloud; no matter how difficult the problem; no matter how impossible the situation in your life, remember this—but God!
These two words—but God, remind us of God's love, grace and mercy that are seen throughout the Bible. These two words—but God, remind us of what God has done in the past as He intervened in the lives of others who were going through what appeared to be an utterly hopeless situation.
Abraham was about to plunge his dagger into his son, Isaac—but God stopped him, and supplied a substitute lamb instead (Genesis 22:13).
Joseph was thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit—but God was with him, showing him mercy, and giving him favor (Genesis 39:21).
The children of Israel were slaves to Pharaoh—but God sent Moses to deliver them from their bondage (Exodus 12:13).
David took on the giant Goliath—but God was with him (1 Samuel 17).
Job was a man who lost everything he had, including his 10 children—but God was there to help him through it and blessed Job more in his latter days than his beginning (42:12).
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were thrown into the fiery furnace—but God was with them in the midst of it (Daniel 3:25).
Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den—but God delivered him from the mouth of the lions (Daniel 6:23).
This sinful world deserves the judgment of God—but God sent His Son to take that judgment upon Himself and to make forgiveness possible (John 3:16).
You and I were dead in trespasses and sin—but God has made us alive in Him as we put our faith and trust in Him (Ephesians 2:5).
No matter what problems come our way; no matter what we’re going through; personal problems, family problems, work problems, national problems . . . understand this—but God! The psalmist writes, “My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26; emphasis added).
The psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So, we will not fear, even if earthquakes come, and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
God Himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of day. The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders and the earth melts!
The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord; see how He brings destruction upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; He burns the shields with fire.
Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” (Psalm 46).
Though we live in a world that is filled with wars, starvation, homelessness, abortions, drugs, crime, moral decay, terrorism, and more; and though we feel burdened, emptied, joyless, and hopeless at times, let us always remember—But God!
God bless you,
Pastor Steve |
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Attention Juanita
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