Ten Years since 9/11

Nine years ago, on the 1st anniversary of the September 11 attacks, I was honored to have the following devotion published in "The Secret Place." The words still seem relevant today, as we prepare for the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

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SCRIPTURE: Luke 14:28-33

Thought for the day: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 (NRSV)

A year ago today, my wife and I watched, along with the rest of the nation, as terrorists destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center, only twenty miles or so from our home.  It was only later that we realized we had witnessed the deaths of two members of our congregation, along with thousands of others including those on the hijacked airliners and in the Pentegon.  Not only people died on that day.  Those towers were chosen because they represented the financial strength of our nation.  Their destruction, accomplished with such ease and at so little cost, shook the sense of security that so many had placed in the things of this world.

As the towers crumbled, I remembered a Scripture chorus we sometimes sing in worship.  “The name of the Lord is a strong tower.  The righteous run into it and they are saved.”

One year later, let’s remember that neither military might nor financial strength can make us secure – only the eternal refuge of our mighty God.

Prayer: Lord, as we remember the dead and comfort the living, help us to remember that you alone are our refuge and strength, through Jesus, our Lord.  Amen.

I encourage you to use the comments section from this blog to post your prayer requests related to 9/11