Where was I on 9/11?

I was driving to church for a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) steering team meeting.  I was greeted by the nursery workers with the news that a plane had struck one of the towers in New York.  As Coordinator, I had a decision to make.  I decided we would pray for our nation and then leave things in God's hands.  After all, we had come together to get some work done and there was nothing else immediate we could do for these emergencies.  Somewhere in the middle of the meeting, we got news about another plane.

I really didn't understand what was going on.  We left the church and headed home to watch the news where, over and over again we were bombarded with images of fire and buildings falling.  Unsure of where other targets might be, we hunkered down and fed on the disaster.  We prayed.  I felt a sense of urgency in my spirit.  What if this is "the end times?"  Or the beginning of the end? 

We weren't all ready.  My son was only 2 1/2 years old, but I shared with him with good news of Jesus and asked him if he was ready to ask Jesus to live in his heart.  He happily agreed.  I don't feel too bad about using a bit of fear to lead him, because we are all driven by a measure of fear -- the end is real, the devil is real, hell is real.  And he has never regretted, nor changed his decision of that day. 

Every year we celebrate our spiritual birthdays.  Elijah is turning ten today on 9/11.  We will never forget.

Jesus Loves the Children

I had an awesome opportunity yesterday to witness God's hand at work in some very special teenagers.  I had been invited to attend the baptism of my 16-year-old nephew.  Scott is "special" because he is autistic.  He is not very verbal (except about food) and has many self-stim habits (hits himself on the head, can't sit still, etc.).  We don't really know what goes on in Scott's mind and body, but, we do know that Jesus loves Scott.  Jesus died for Scott.  And Scott has learned to affirm with his words that Jesus lives in his heart.  He "went under" like a champ and then swam like a fish out of the baptistry!

On the same day, Stacie, a friend of my niece, was also baptized.  She cried as she gave her testimony before the baptism, acknowledging that she was a sinner, saved by God's grace.  Jesus loves Stacie.  He died and rose again for her.

On the same day, and during the same service, Kaleigh, another friend of my niece, decided to give her heart to Jesus Christ.  Kaleigh was raised in a Buddhist household.  When asked what she would tell her mother, she replied, "Well, she'll just have to accept it.  There is no going back now!"  She did not have this boldness last week or the week before, but once she made the decision, Jesus gave her peace and the Holy Spirit gave her boldness to witness!  Jesus loves Kaleigh.  Jesus died for Kaleigh.  And her family.

Jesus loves me.  He died for me.  Jesus loves you.  He died for you too.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16