No one old enough has any problem remembering the events of September 11, 2001. I would venture to say most of us know exactly where we were when we heard the news of the attack on our country. I was returning home from taking my daughter to school. That day is forever etched in most of our memories. It was a clear demonstration of what evil looks like, perhaps the boldest example of it in our nation’s history. I’m not sure there’s much left to be said about that day that hasn’t already been said, but we should never forget it. Neither should we forget the days that followed as they were also unique in their own way, quite different from before 9/11 and certainly different from where we seem to be today.         

            I might be naïve but didn’t it seem that we had a different character to our nation for a time following 9/11? Of course there were those who from the very outset claimed that the United States got exactly it deserved, but their voices were few and little attention was paid to their ignorance. Although the result of great tragedy, the days that followed September 11, 2001 appeared different. Gone for the moment were all the things that seemingly divided us. For a change, our media reported events instead of creating them. For a change, our political parties worked together instead of against one another. Gone for the moment was the idea that unity within our nation was impossible. For a moment in time, politics, race or social class didn’t seem to matter. For the moment, no one cared about separation of church and state and if they did, little attention was paid to those voices. For the moment, prayer took on new meaning. We didn’t need to be prodded to pray, we wanted to be on our knees. Church became more than just a convenient option. For the moment, we welcomed God into every aspect of our lives. For that brief moment, we humbled ourselves enough to admit that maybe humans don’t have all the answers and should seek the only One who does. What happened to those days? Why does it take an event the magnitude of 9/11 for us to seek God? I would actually contend that it’s not so much in these moments that we reach out to seek God as much as it is that in these moments He is seeking us.         

            Think about where we are twelve years later. Our country couldn’t be more divided. Twelve years after 9/11, we would consider it progress if we were only in the same place as before that day. The divisions within our society have intensified and our media and politicians seem only to serve in propagating them. For a time following 9/11 it appeared we desired God’s intervention, but have since returned to our arrogant ways. We have this idea that our problems can be solved without God’s help. In fact, He is often seen as the problem. So unfortunately, it has become pretty clear that this momentary seeking of God in the days that followed 9/11 was just that, momentary. In years past, our nation had a determined resolve in dealing with adversity and in doing so unashamedly sought God for both guidance and comfort. I know He would welcome our return now. 

–          “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” (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

–           “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) 

            Comfort for what afflicts us as a nation and each of us individually will never be solved any other way than spiritually. There are many who can testify to this truth, having relied solely on God for comfort in the midst of their own trials. And I’m convinced that through the evil acts of 9/11, many stand witness to the fact that what may have been meant for evil, God used for good. It may be a difficult reality to accept that God uses tragedy this way, but He does.

            So though we should never desire days like September 11^th, the tremendous loss of innocent life and the overwhelming grief that results, when these times come, when evil is bold or subtle, though never its cause, be comforted knowing that God is both sovereign over it and with us in the midst of it. Adversity and affliction are often the moments in which He reveals Himself most clearly. These are many times the moment in which He saves. Difficulty and tragedy are all part of life. Though we don’t long for a repeat of that day, we can long for a repeat of what happened in the days that followed. For that brief moment in time, unity stood above division, our nation appeared to be one, and we sought the face of God. And as He was then and as He always is, our God stood ready to save.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34) 

                On Thursday, we celebrate the independence of our nation. As the early settlers charted the course of our nation, they had no shame concerning the things of God. The first line in the Mayflower Compact was, “In the name of God, Amen” and when the Pilgrims’ signed it in 1620, they acknowledged God’s sovereignty and sought to glorify Him. Our founding fathers believed the truths of the Bible and acknowledged their faith in God as they wrote the Constitution. Many prominent universities were founded on the Word of God. God is in our pledge and it is “in Him” we claim to trust on our currency. But given the current state of affairs in our country, can we say that He is in our hearts? As we reflect this July 4^th, we might ask, from whom are we now seeking our independence?          

            “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings. Proverbs 14:34 teaches that actions aligned with God’s standards exalt or “lift up” a nation while sin is a disgrace. The United States has been richly blessed. Throughout our history, we have taken up the cause for much that is right and good. But have we, in our pride, forgotten what David wrote in Psalm 8:4, “What is man that you are mindful of him”, that as great as God is, it’s amazing He would take notice of and care for us. Have we really come to believe that “man is the measure of all things”, that we determine what is right and true? Perhaps we have. Today, many deny His sovereignty. Many of those educational institutions that were founded on the Word of God are now major influencers in denying Him. Our Creator, whom we used to hold close, we now appear to be, in increasing measure, pushing away. It will make you wonder if there is any reason for hope for our nation.

            But there is hope! There is always hope because our hope lies, not in our government or our courts, but in a sovereign God. Nothing that happens ever happens outside of His control. We hope, knowing God will preserve His people through times such as these. We hope, knowing that God is building His church and nothing can stop Him.

            It’s easy to get discouraged, confused and quite frankly, angry by recent events and our nations progressive departure from God’s will. But it’s also important to remember the greater the darkness the greater the opportunity for the light of the gospel of Christ to shine. The opportunity and privilege we have as Christians is to display what the gospel has done in our own lives, to remember who we were before Christ saved us (an enemy of God), and to let what He has graciously done in our hearts motivate us in our witness. The gospel is not only for those whose sins are different from ours, but for all of our sins. Pray that in a time of increasing darkness the gospel would go forth and trust that it would bring a harvest. Pray that our nation would realign with the will of God and instead of seeking our independence from Him, we would reaffirm our dependence on Him. “If my people who are called by 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” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

 Prayer

Father, as a nation we have strayed. We have strayed in so many ways on so many issues. Forgive us. Help us to pursue righteousness and let Your glory be our desire. Thank You God for forgiving me for my sin. Thank You for Jesus Christ whose perfect atonement cleanses all sin. Let our nation exalt Him above all. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Let us be a people who seek to please You alone. Amen!

            Today is Memorial Day, a day of remembering those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. There are many great Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all share. As a part of remembering those who have served, two wounded veterans were recognized for their service at yesterday’s SEC baseball tournament’s championship game. My son Logan and I attended the game. In order to avoid getting caught in the traffic after the game, we decided to leave at the bottom of the seventh inning. On the way out of the stadium, we were walking behind and then beside one of the men recognized during the game. I don’t know the man’s name because I didn’t hear the announcer when he called it, but I do know this, we could use more people like him. I say this not only because of his extraordinary service to our country, but also because of what I witnessed. As we approached the parking lot, a lady pulled up in a shuttle and asked several of us if we cared for a ride to our cars. This man declined and instead just slowly and patiently made his way to his car, not slowly and patiently because he chose only to take his time, but because his injuries gave him no other alternative. I was struck by that. I was struck by the fact that this man, who not only could have used, but also truly deserved help, politely declined to take it. Wow!

            In small measure, let the sacrifice of so many made on behalf of our country serve to help us reflect on the One who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. He is Jesus Christ, whose atoning sacrifice paid the penalty for our sin for all time. So as we honor our veterans today, honor that is rightly due, remember and honor Christ for His sacrifice. He is worthy! “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).   

No doubt it’s been a difficult couple of weeks since the bombing at the Boston Marathon. As sad as these tragedies are, it’s always touching to see how events such as these bring out the best in people. The compassion of citizens at the bomb site, the rallying of the city of Boston, the bravery of law enforcement and the prayers and support of a nation are all things we can be proud of. And they all come by way of God’s common grace. But with that said, as I stared at the April 21^st edition of the Birmingham News and the lead article entitled Looking for Answers I felt like I’d seen the same headline before.

It just seems that every time tragedy strikes or evil rears its head, we immediately begin to search for answers as to why. I suppose there’s nothing wrong with doing that. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with doing everything humanly possible to keep events such as what happened in Boston from happening. But from a Christian perspective, what is perplexing, though not surprising is that as a nation, every solution we seek seems only to be a human one. The response to the theatre shooting in Colorado and to the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT was for tighter gun laws, as if that in and of itself will stop someone who desires to commit acts of evil. In the case of what happened in Boston the conversation is around immigration policy. Fine, we can search answers to all of those things. Opinions vary as to the best approach to help deal with all of these issues. I have my own. But it seems we pay an extraordinary amount of time dealing with things such as these while neglecting more important things. When perhaps will one of our legislators offer a bill that once again allows prayer in our schools? Why not take up that cause? Are we to believe there haven’t been consequences to its ban? Are we to believe that lives might not have been positively and eternally influenced by welcomed prayer? Are we to believe that there aren’t consequences for our lukewarm consideration of God’s ways in our lives? Are we to think He doesn’t notice how quickly we run to Him in the midst of a tragedy or when evil strikes, only to run away from Him at other times? He notices.

Our primary problems, both as a nation and individually aren’t human problems, they are spiritual ones. Our primary problem is our increasing alienation from God. And our solutions, as hard as we try and as well intentioned as they may be, will never be found in human strength, but only in God’s. Change will only come when we seek solutions that focus on what is inside of us. True change, change that is lasting comes from the inside out. What we need most is not more gun laws, more changes to immigration policy or political posturing to appease interest groups and secure votes. It’s not even more morality that we need. What we need most is the gospel. In a word, we need Jesus.

On his blog, Moore to the Point, Dr. Russell Moore addresses the question of what to do with frozen embryos. On June 1st, Dr. Moore will become the President of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. I love his answer to this question. What stikes me about it is not only is he truthful and direct in his answer, but gracious as well. Truth should always be deliviered in a spirit of grace and Dr. Moore does that here. This is a great example as to not only how Christians should see this issue, but also the way in which we are to express it to others.

http://www.russellmoore.com/2013/04/17/what-should-we-do-with-our-frozen-embryos/

On January 22^nd, it will be 40 years since Roe v. Wade became law. This is no cause for celebration, only shame. Since that time, over 50 million abortions have taken place. In an article published in the January 14^th edition of TIME magazine, writer Kate Pickert seems to indicate that every since abortion became law, pro-choice activists have been losing the battle over abortion rights. When considering 50 million murders in 40 years, I’d say she better think again. In his response to the TIME article, Dr. Mohler provides great insight on the abortion issue. He provides encouragement where there is cause to be encouraged, but he also presents the stark reality of the challenge that looms. He points out rightly, that what needs changing are the hearts and minds of the American people. Of all the different ways in which the abortion battle goes on, unless God settles it first, it will never be settled until it’s settled in our hearts. An article worth reading for sure!

http://www.albertmohler.com/2013/01/07/losing-ever-since-roe-time-sounds-the-siren-for-abortion-rights/?utm_source=Albert+Mohler&utm_campaign=4e42ed886d-Albert_Mohler_Email_August_6_20128_6_2012&utm_medium=email

             This is one of those moments in which all of us need to be mindful of our words. Our first priority must be to pray for God’s peace and comfort for the families who suffered unimaginable loss last week in Newtown, Connecticut as 26 people, including 20 children were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. But in the right tone and with the right heart, I believe there are a few things that deserve comment. First is the reality of evil. We saw it on December 14^th and unfortunately we have been witnessing it with increasing frequency for some time. Every time a tragedy like this occurs the question arises, “How can we stop it?” The truth is that we can’t. Evil exists and people determined to commit it will find a way to carry it out. Second is the question of how God could allow this to happen? It is a completely reasonable question given the circumstance, but thankfully Scripture answers it. Evil breaks the heart of God and though He is sovereign over it, He is never its cause. Although we will never fully understand why things like what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened, we can trust that God is good and we can look to Him for comfort in these times. I believe that deep down people have this sense. Consider where many have run in the days following. If only we wouldn’t wait until after tragedy strikes to look to God in the first place, and if only our looking to Him would last? But God is always there, always faithful and ready to heal the brokenhearted. It is often in these darkest moments in which He saves and deepens our trust in Him.  

            As our leaders consider the way forward after this tragedy, it’s only arrogance that will continue to seek human answers to spiritual problems. But so far, it appears that human answers are all we seek, beginning with President Obama alluding to the need for stricter gun control laws in his initial statement on the shooting and the White House’ statements since, to other politicians’ calls for a “national conversation” on how tragedies such as this might be avoided to the media’s intense coverage of it all. It’s fine to have a “conversation” around anything that would help avoid what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but the question is where does it all end; stricter gun laws only? It seems that way thus far. We need and in fact have responsible gun laws, but guns themselves aren’t the problem. People are the problem. When’s the last time you saw a gun pull its own trigger? I say this as someone who doesn’t even own a gun. Whatever happened to personal responsibility and accountability? No gun law will ever solve the evil intentions of people. Evil has always existed and until the Lord vanquishes it, it always will. The reality is that our biggest issues are heart issues. It’s Jesus Christ that our nation needs. The battles we face are spiritual ones and unfortunately, having removed God from the public discourse; it appears our nation has already laid down its arms.

            Can we continue to believe consequences won’t follow our removing God from every aspect of society, including our schools? Should we really expect blessing when we continue to forgo His will in public policy? I don’t think so. I’m glad that our President and other state and local politicians have participated in memorial services following the shooting. We should always seek God first in these moments. But with all due respect, I’m tired of seeing politicians pay lip service to matters of faith after tragedy, yet spend the rest of their time advocating policies that stand contrary to the Word of God. Instead of using this tragedy to move forward a political agenda, what if they got on their knees and asked God’s forgiveness for ignoring His will in the first place. What if in this “national conversation” God was allowed to speak? Can you even imagine what He might say? In his comments at the memorial service in Newtown, President Obama said we were failing our children. I agree with him; we are failing them, but our greatest failure is not the lack of stricter gun laws, better screening for mental health or anything else. Our greatest failure is that more and more we’ve given our children a nation that denies its Creator and devalues the impact of faith on our society. How long and how many times will we live the consequences of our increasing alienation from God before we realize where we’ve gone wrong? How long until we will see Him as the only answer to our problems? Might this be the event that brings not only our nation, but each of us individually to the end of ourselves, creating in us the desire to restore a right relationship with our Lord? We can only pray that it is.

            It’s hard to turn on the news without hearing about the looming debt crisis in the United States. Currently, our national debt stands at over 16 trillion dollars, and growing rapidly. The irresponsibility of our political leaders is obvious. I find it ironic that the one’s left to solve the problem are largely responsible for it. Currently, high stakes negotiations are underway to avoid what is referred to as the “fiscal cliff”, a combination of automatic tax increases and spending cuts for certain government agencies. If a plan to keep us from going “over the cliff” is not agreed to and tax increases ensue it will have a rippling effect on many Americans, impacting retirement savings, disposable income, employment and much more. A recession would become almost a certainty. These are all extremely important issues. Personally, I think raising taxes is the last thing we need to do in an already weak economy and I believe our President and Congress to spend our money like it was their own. But this financial uncertainty is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that as Christians, it shouldn’t be the earthly treasures we live for, but instead, heavenly ones.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

             Jesus taught that the reality of living in the power and presence of God should work out practically in our lives. Our Christian lives are to be counter to what our cultural considers normal. Specifically, Matthew 6:19-20 would have us consider where we should focus both our activities and our assets. It is about which master we serve because we certainly can’t serve two. This passage shouldn’t be taken to mean that financial prudence is wrong, it’s not, nor should it be used to support the redistribution of wealth or the idea that the rich “pay their fair share”. The Bible supports none of these. In fact, being rich or poor proves no advantage at all in the eyes of God. Both circumstances present their own challenges to one’s faith (James 1:9-11). It’s not money, but the “love of money” that is the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). But the Bible is clear about priorities in that we are not to put anything before our relationship with God, our service to Him, and our reliance on His grace and provision for today without worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). That’s the point to be made. Not that these problems don’t need to be solved. They do. Not that our leaders shouldn’t be more fiscally responsible, they should, and not that we shouldn’t desire a decent return on financial investments. That’s alright as well. But the Lord’s greatest concern isn’t any of these things. His greatest concern is our heart and it’s our hearts that will determine what we invest in. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Who knows if your 401K will give you the return you desire and if our country will ever get our debt in order? But you can know that if you’ve put your trust in Jesus Christ alone, not only do you have a guaranteed return, but your debt has also been paid in full. So where are your treasures laid up? Are they laid up for this life or the next? Life is made up of a series of choices; choices that have consequences. Why make the choice that puts everything at risk when you can make an investment that guarantees a return, and where there’s no debt left to pay? Search your heart as to where your treasure lies. Is it in Christ? If not, you may need to rethink your investment strategy.

            After a stellar military career, serving as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and widely held to be a formidable future candidate for high political office, it all came to an abrupt end last Thursday for General David Petraeus.  As a result of the disclosure of an extramarital affair, Petraeus resigned his position as CIA director.  Since the time of his resignation, much has been learned and more will be learned as to the possible wide ranging implications of his indiscretion.  Those are important issues, but they are not the interest here.  We often put people on a pedestal, believing that they are above reproach.  By all accounts, General Petraeus was one of those people.  I’m sure that over the years many have benefited from working under his leadership.  I imagine many of the lessons he has taught have been invaluable to others.  Perhaps he’ll have an opportunity to teach those lessons again.  But David Petraeus has a valuable lesson to teach right now.  He happens to be the latest example of a high profile and powerful person committing a moral failure that should serve as a warning to all of us.  This lesson doesn’t have to wait.  Hopefully we can learn from it.   

            You see, David Petraeus is susceptible to what all of us are; sin.  You may find it easy to think that he got exactly what he deserved, but before you do, consider what it is you and I deserve.  We weren’t owed the forgiveness God gave us, but He gave it anyway.  We are not even owed the grace for today’s sins, but He gives that as well.  Certainly our media’s focus will be the “soap opera” aspects of this story.  And our political leaders will seek out answers to any potential national security violations and what lessons may be learned if they in fact occurred.  But for us, there are lessons as well.  What happened in the case of David Petraeus should be a reminder of the human’s susceptibility to sin.  That is the first lesson. The truth is that if not for God’s grace, you or I could do the same.  When we look at the general’s situation and think that what happened to him could never happen to us is when we’re vulnerable.  We are capable of sin every bit as great as his.  That leads to a second lesson, our need to seek God daily in His Word and pray for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to keep us from temptation and sin.  We have to put on “the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11).  Lastly, instead of condemning General Petraeus for his sin, pray for him and his family who have to live the consequences of that sin.  Why is it our tendency to sometimes find other people’s sins a much greater offense to God than our own?  To wish grace for General Petraeus doesn’t condone what he did, nor does it mean there aren’t consequences.  There already have been and there will be more that you and I will never know.  Ultimately though, we need to remember that all battles are spiritual.  General David Petraeus lost this one.  He put on the wrong armor.  What about you?  Are you fit for the fight?  Have you put on His armor?  If not, you need to.