"Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes
are centered in anything
short of God and His will for us."
~ Billy Graham
Join the Presidential Prayer team
http://www.PresidentialPrayerTeam.org
Billy Grahams Message
Spoken on the day of National remembrance!
*********************
President and Mrs. Bush, I want to say a personal word on behalf of many people. Thank you, Mr. President, for calling
this Day of Prayer and Remembrance. We needed it at this time.
We come together today to affirm our conviction that God cares for us, whatever our ethnic, religious or political background may be.
The Bible says that He is "the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles."
No matter how hard we try words simply cannot express the horror, the shock, and the revulsion we all feel over what took place in this
nation on Tuesday morning. September 11 will go down in our history as a day to
remember.
Today we say to those who masterminded this cruel plot, and to those who carried it out, that the spirit of this nation will not
be defeated by their twisted and diabolical schemes. Some day those responsible will
be brought to justice, as President Bush and our Congress have so forcefully stated.
But today we especially come together in this service to confess our need of God. We've always needed God from the very
beginning of this nation but today we need Him especially.
We're facing a new kind of enemy. We're involved in a new kind of warfare and we need the help of the Spirit of God The
Bible's words are our hope: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in
trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1,2, NIV).
But how do we understand something like this? Why does God allow evil like this to take place? Perhaps that is what you are
asking now. You may even be angry at God. I want to assure you that God understands
those feelings that you may have.
We've seen so much on our television, and hear on our radio, stories that bring tears to our eyes and make us all feel a
sense of anger. But God can be trusted, even when life seems at its darkest.
But what are some of the lessons we can learn?
First, we are reminded of the mystery and reality of evil.
I have been asked on hundreds of times in my life why God allows tragedy and suffering. I have to confess that I really do not know the answer
totally, even to my own satisfaction. I have to accept, by faith, that God is sovereign, and He is a God of love and mercy and compassion in
the midst of suffering.
The Bible says God is not the author of evil. It speaks of evil as a "mystery." In 2 Thessalonians 2:7 it talks about the mystery of
iniquity. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
He asked that question, "Who can understand it?" And that is one reason we each need God in our lives.
The lesson of this event is not only about the mystery of iniquity and evil, but secondly, it is a lesson about our need for each other.
What an example New York and Washington have been to the world these past few days! None of us will ever forget the pictures of our
courageous firefighters and police, many of whom have lost friends and colleagues, or the hundreds of people attending or standing patiently
in line to donate blood.
A tragedy like this could have torn this country apart, but instead it has united us and we have become a family. So
those perpetrators who took this on to tear us apart, it has worked
the other way. It has backlashed, it has backfired. We are more united than ever before. I think this was exemplified in a very moving way when
the members of our Congress stood shoulder to shoulder the other day and sang, "God Bless America."
Finally, difficult as it may be for us to see right now -- this event can give a message of hope -- hope for the present, and hope for the
future.
Yes, there is hope. There is hope for the present because I believe the stage has already been set for a new spirit in our nation. One of the
things we desperately need is a spiritual renewal in this country. We need a spiritual revival in America. And God has told us in His Word,
time after time, that we are to repent of our sins and we're to turn to Him and He will bless us in a new way.
There is also hope for the future because of God's promises. As a Christian, I have hope not just for this life, but for
heaven and the life to come. And many of those people who died this past week are in
heaven right now and they wouldn't want to come back. It's so glorious and so wonderful. And
that's the hope for all of us who put our faith in God. I pray that you will have this hope in your heart.
This event reminds us of the brevity and the uncertainty of life. We never know when we too will be called into eternity. I
doubt if even one of those people who got on those planes, or walked into the World
Trade Center or the Pentagon last Tuesday morning thought it would be the last day of their lives. It didn't occur to them. And that's why each of
us needs to face our own spiritual need and commit ourselves to God and His will now.
Here in this majestic National Cathedral we see all around us the symbols of the Cross. For the Christian, I'm speaking for the
Christian now, the Cross tells us that God understands our sin and our suffering,
for He took them upon Himself in the person of Jesus Christ our sins and our suffering. And from the
Cross, God declares, "I love you. I know the heartaches and the sorrows and the pains that you feel. But I love
you."
The story does not end with the Cross, for Easter points us beyond the tragedy of the Cross to the empty tomb that tells
us that there is hope for eternal life, for Christ has conquered evil and death, and hell.
Yes, there is hope. I've become an old man now and I've preached all over the world and the older I get the more I cling to that hope that
I started with many years ago and proclaimed it in many languages in many parts of the world.
Several years ago at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Ambassador Andrew Young (who had just gone through the tragic death
of his wife), closed his talk with a quote from the old hymn "How Firm a Foundation ... ."
We all watched in horror as planes crashed into the steel and glass of the World Trade Center. Those majestic towers, built on solid
foundations, were examples of the prosperity and creativity of America. When damaged, those building eventually plummeted to the ground,
imploding in upon themselves. Yet, underneath the debris, is a foundation that was not
destroyed.
Therein lies the truth of that old hymn, "How Firm a Foundation... ." Yes, our nation has been attacked, buildings
destroyed, and lives lost.
But now we have a choice: whether to implode and disintegrate
emotionally and spiritually as a people and a nation -- or, whether we choose to become stronger through all of this
struggle -- to rebuild on a solid foundation. And I believe we are in the process of starting
to rebuild on that foundation.
That foundation is our trust in God. That's what this service is all about and in that faith we have the strength to endure
something as difficult and horrendous as what we have experienced this week.
This has been a terrible week with many tears but it has also been a week of great faith. Churches all across the country have called
prayer meetings and today is a day that they are celebrating not only in this country but in many parts of the world.
And in the words of that familiar hymn, "Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will give thee aid; I'll
strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."
My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God rapped around us, and will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us
as we trust in Him.
We also know that God is going to give wisdom and courage and
strength to the President and those around him. And this is going to be a day that we will remember as a day of victory.
May God bless you all.
From Lady TX of PSP7
TWO THOUSAND ONE, NINE ELEVEN
Paul Spreadbury
Two thousand one, nine eleven
Five thousand plus arrive in heaven
As they pass through the gate,
Thousands more appear in wait
A bearded man with stovepipe hat
Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat"
They settle down in seats of clouds
A man named Martin shouts out proud
"I have a dream!" and once he did
The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives."
Groups of soldiers in blue and gray
Others in khaki, and green then say
"We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine"
The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain."
From a man on sticks one could hear
"The only thing we have to fear.
The Newcomer said, "We know the rest,
trust us sir, we've passed that test."
"Courage doesn't hide in caves
You can't bury freedom, in a grave,"
The Newcomers had heard this voice before
A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shores
A silence fell within the mist
Somehow the Newcomer knew that this
Meant time had come for her to say
What was in the hearts of the five thousand plus that day
"Back on Earth, we wrote reports,
Watched our children play in sports
Worked our gardens, sang our songs
Went to church and clipped coupons
We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought
Unlike you, great we're not"
The tall man in the stovepipe hat
Stood and said, "don't talk like that!
Look at your country, look and see
You died for freedom, just like me"
Then, before them all appeared a scene
Of rubbled streets and twisted beams
Death, destruction, smoke and dust
And people working just 'cause they must
Hauling ash, lifting stones,
Knee deep in hell, but not alone
"Look! Blackman, Whiteman, Brownman, Yellowman
Side by side helping their fellow man!"
So said Martin, as he watched the scene
"Even from nightmares, can be born a dream."
Down below three firemen raised
The colors high into ashen haze
The soldiers above had seen it before
On Iwo Jima back in '44
The man on sticks studied everything closely
Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly
"I see pain, I see tears,
I see sorrow - but I don't see fear."
"You left behind husbands and wives
Daughters and sons and so many lives
are suffering now because of this wrong
But look very closely. You're not really gone.
All of those people, even those who've never met you
All of their lives, they'll never forget you
Don't you see what has happened?
Don't you see what you've done?
You've brought them together, together as one.
With that the man in the stovepipe hat said
"Take my hand," and from there he led
five thousand plus heroes, Newcomers to heaven
On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven
©Paul Spreadbury
September 14, 2001
York Beach, Maine
I wrote this three days after the attack in response to my daughter's question regarding what, if any, value was derived from the death of all those people. I have had some folks with degrees in English, published writers and others write back with compliments and editorial suggestions. All are welcome and appreciated.
The reason for writing it was to provide my daughters class with some sense of appreciating the fact that
much was gained out of the tremendous loss. There is always a silver cloud... even when the
clouds hovers over Manhattan. I didn't write it for any reason other than to express my own personal feelings and I posted it in hopes that children (especially those most directly effected) would get some sense that ALL life has value and ALL life contributes to the continuation of the good.
My daughters class was having a hard time trying to attach any value at all to the loss. So the poem was written. Then someone emailed it to someone and off it went. The point being, it wasn’t written to credit me but to credit those who lost their lives and their families.
From Kandy - PSP 7
Our Heavenly Father, please be with all those who lost their lives today
in the tragedies that fell upon our Country and take them to your home.
Give your comfort to the family members of these victims. Please
protect our Country from further damage and loss of lives. Give your
guidance to our Nation's leaders and all those in the rescue efforts.
May we all keep our faith through this most trying time.
Amen
-----Original Message-----
From: pat
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 3:35 PM
To: Heart of Gold
Subject: Dear Heavenly Father.....
Dear Heavenly Father,
Father no one can imagine how or why something like this can happen. No one truly knows the minds of the mad men that planned such a horrific event. No one can possibly know the words to say after such terrible acts of violence have occured.
Lord Father all I can pray for right now is that you would open your arms up wide and welcome your children home, and that The Holy Spirit would minister to the hearts and souls of the loved ones left behind, and to also minister to all of us brothers and sisters who have not stopped crying this morning.
Thank you for your love and guidance and for the wonderful heros we will find out about during the next couple of weeks. The firemen, police officers, possibly pilots, the ordinary citizens that gave their lives trying to help. True christian soldiers.
Jesus, we pray that revenge will be placed on a back burner and that healing and security will be our main priority.
In Jesus name we pray,
Your sis in Christ,
Carol
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:7
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dear
God
----- Original Message -----
From: Stefi
To: Heart of Gold
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 8:44 PM
Subject: A Prayer
A quick prayer chain. Please pass this on to everyone. Lets all say a prayer for the United States, the president and the military today. The hijacking of two planes with United States citizens and then the crash of those two planes into the world trade center as well as the Plane that landed at the Pentigon and exploded leaving it burning will leave many people without loved ones. It will leave the and fear. Please pray the the government will find a way to keep us all safe, that the people whose lives this will touch will find a place of comfort with God and that the lives lost will not be for naught. Pray that those people have found a place with God and give comfort to those left behind. Pray that those still alive can be saved and that the doctors, emergency staff, military have God's hand upon them as they do their work. Let's also pray for each other, that we find all find a way to reach out to loved ones whose lives will be forever changed. All of this we ask in Jesus's name. Lord Be with us ALL!
Please add the candle to your webpages!
Huggles
Stefi
http://www.balista.com/stefanie
From Diane S. of Garden of Friendship
-----Original Message-----
From: Claudia
To: Garden of Friendship
Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 1:15 AM
Subject: Hi!!
Hello everyone...
In view of the recent tragedy , I'd like to tell you that, there is no borders to feel the pain, that is on the
American's heart, but even if I am Mexican, I live here and feel this breaks my heart too. So I'll be praying for everybody.
I'm sending you this little present , from Me (and every Mexican).
*~~*~~*~~*~~*
* .(\ *_*./)*.
* . *.( \(_)/ ) *.*
*.*. *(_/ \_)*.*.*.
. *. .* ./___\ *. . *
. * * ..* . * .*
Claudian
http://www.geocities.com/claudian_72/Garden-of-Frienship.html
http://www.geocities.com/claudian_72
-----Original Message-----
From: GINA QUARLES
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 3:52 PM
To: Jazzl Tubes
Subject: To all my American friends .....
I am so shocked at this days of events . Let's remember in this time of turmoil that our Father is in control . Our prayers are
heard and let's keep praying for America , most of all , the people who were killed today in this terrible act of injustice .
Our tears have not gone unnoticed ..
VENGENCE IS MINE SAITH THE LORD !
My heart goes out to all of the Americans and others from different nations and their
families ..
It is just unbelievable that
this could happen to us , a nation of freedom .
I made this sigtag early this morning before any of this happened . I wanted to share
it with you all . Maybe it is a good message for us all .
Let's keep our prayers lifted and our eyes focused on the Lord .
GOD BLESS EVERYONE,
Love Gina , *:>)
-----Original Message-----
From: Margaret Tapp
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001 10:08 PM
To: Oregon Region35 LOTH
Subject:Special Prayer Request America Under Attack
Dear Sisters,
This is a special prayer request for our government that we have no more terrorist attacks on the American country there have been
too many tragic deaths and faltilties today. Send out prayer request to everyone you know chain letters because are sisters and our loved ones
who are in these tragic areas will need all of it. I have just heard they have closed down Seattle Airport and one other major buildings in
Seattle. Kari says they fear for a cyber attack also I will be on but anti virus scans on all. Light your candles and say your prayers for all
of our dear sisters that they stay safe.
~~God Bless~~
Margie (RD region 35 Oregon)
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark & Charla Hanks
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 8:30 PM
To: Family
Subject: We can all use an angel right now.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you (US) all. Amen."
2 Corinthians 13:14
Tiny angel For YOU
I am a tiny angel
I'm smaller than your thumb:
I live in people's pockets
That's where I have my fun.
I don't suppose you've seen me,
I'm too tiny to detect:
Though I'm with you all the
Time, doubt we've ever met.
Before I was an Angel...
I was a fairy in a flower:
God, Himself, hand-picked me,
And gave me Angel power.
Now God has many Angels
That He trains in Angel pools:
We become His eyes, and ears, and hands
We become His special tools.
And because God is so busy,
With way too much to do;
He said that my assignment
Is to keep close watch on you.
When He tucked me in your Pocket
He blessed you with Angel care;
Then told me to never leave you,
And I vowed always to be there.
-----Original Message-----
From: Rita
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 9:34 PM
To: JazzlTubes
Subject: A Prayer Chain ... please forward
Dear Heavenly Father, We are moved by the alarming news and crisis that our country is facing.
This, the greatest nation, founded in the belief that "In God We Trust" & the "Land of the Free".
Please have mercy on those suffering,hurting and in fear, and give wisdom & strength to those who are assisting. May the forces of evil be broken by your power and may we humble before thee, our strength and refuge.
Give wisdom to our President & our leaders and bring your comforting peace through the power of your Holy Spirit. Help us here to reach to those that have been affected by this tragedy.
In the POWERFUL name of The Father, Son,
And Holy Ghost.... we pray
AMEN
-----Original Message-----
From: KarenT
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 9:25 AM
To: JazzlTubes
Subject: GOD WEPT POEM W/PICTURE
And God Wept....
I awoke to the terror
of airplanes falling from the sky,
Heaven's gates are fully opened
Why did so many have to die??
Many brave Angels,
Found their way home today
Innocent lives sacrificed,
Someone's careless debt paid.
There was no lesson in the suffering,
Too many lives were lost
In the name of who you stand for
How much worth, what did it cost?
The world is turning upside down,
God now, surely weeps.
To look upon the death of his children
For those now, forever asleep.
Take a moment to remember,
Those souls forever lost
And remember that with every action
There always is a cost.
Brie Godinez-September 11, 2001
The tragedies today have effected so many lives...today and for along time to come, so please keep all these families in your prayers.
God Bless the USA!
My Angel
As I look into the heavens
Piercing through a cloud
Sometimes I think I see you
Laughing there out loud
I know it's just a dream
But it helps to get me through
Nothing seems the same
Since I said good-bye to you
I know that you are happy
And watching over me
From the pain and the sadness
You have been set free
In my heart I have an album
Especially of you
With pictures and memories
And times shared by two.
As I walk along the road
That life brings each day
I know that you are with me
In each and every way
With all that you have taught me
Stored within my heart
You're so in my memories
We'll never be apart
You've always been my angel
Now you have your wings
Walking through the heavens
Where the choir of angels sing
Copyright Godstypist
Janet Ritchie
I wrote this for the loss of my sister three years ago. It helped me through
it. I would like to send it to those who lost someone close as I did. May
26, 2002
This Salute Is For You
America came together on the morning of nine eleven,
As they gathered for those who took their place in Heaven.
Volunteers from across the country answered the call,
After watching in shock the mighty Twin Towers fall.
Piece by piece they went through the debris,
Though their pain and tears made it hard to see.
Hoping for a sound, a movement or a sign of life,
A mother, a father, a child or maybe someone's wife.
They gave it their all and never complained,
Praying and hoping another breath of life remained.
Nine eleven will be etched in our minds forever,
Instead of tearing America apart it brought us closer together.
To those who stood tall for the red white and blue
To the heart of America this salute is for you
Copyright Godstypist
Janet Ritchie
This is my salute that I have posted to all who helped on 9/11.
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SHALOM FROM SPIKE & JAMIE
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