Aloha Friday Message – September 11, 2009 – A Remembrance

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It is only fitting that I start today’s note with a remembrance of the events that shook the world on this date in 1992 and 2001. In 1992 it was hurricane Iniki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Iniki) that swept across Kaua`i and caused tremendous destruction and lasting memories. In 2001 it was the World Trade Center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks) and other sites that were attacked leaving thousands dead. Those are difficult memories for us.

But then on that same date in 1906 Mahatma Gandhi coined the term “Satyagraha” – nonviolent resistance. In 1940 George Stibitz was the first to operate a computer remotely. In 1944 Allied Troops breached the border of West Germany, a major turning point in the war. In 1956 President Eisenhower founded the People to People International Movement to promote “Peace Through Understanding.” In 1978, Carter, Sadat, and Begin signed the Framework for Peace. In 1917 Ferdinand Marcos was born. In 1967 it was harry Connick, Jr. born on 9/11. 1977 Rapper Ludacris was born. Check out the day at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11.

So what’s the point of all that? Just this – another memory verse. Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Pretty well fills the bill for September 11, yes?

So since last week I have been thinking about other verses that got lodged in the old tea kettle over the years but didn’t make it to the list last week. The first on that popped up is “chapter one verse twelve of John is the ground we stand upon.” That is part of the song The Assurance March by William M. Runyon (I think), and I sang that song at the top of my voice for years. What does John 1:12 say? ” But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God…” Pretty cool.

Another one switches the numbers around and lands in the book of Romans. Romans 12: 1 (and 2) says, ” I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. 2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” We covered that once when talking about Metamorphosis and Metanoia.

I remember when my dad was a Deacon, and then an Elder (see information about the Presbyterian Church at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_%28U.S.A.%29), and he and I talked about this when I was in Junior High. These verses are from 1 Timothy 3. “8 Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, 9 holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” Well, my dad passed all of that with flying colors. He really was an exceptional Christian, and I am still learning from him to this very day despite his jump to Heaven on his 81st birthday in 1997. Did I ever tell you the story about the white shirt? If you don’t remember it, let me know. It was one of the Key Turning Points in my life. Wow. Time to pause for a prayer of praise!!: Love you Dad!!

And there was also Ephesians 5:10, one of my favorites because it was so easy “Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Not far from that is Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.” When I forget that, I lose ground. And just down the page a bit is Ephesians 6:18: ” With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.”

So, I’m going to leave off there for today, because that’s more than enough for all of us to think about. 9-11 was a good day for some and a not-so-good day for others, but (I can’t resist this!) Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!” Good enough for me!!

So how about you? Some of you sent me your favorite Bible verses. I’d like to see more, and we can share them. Feasting on the word is great fare indeed! Come on! The banquet is ready. A table is prepared for us in the presence of that wily old codger The Accuser. He knows The Word, too, but to him it’s poison. To you and me, it’s LIFE!

Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved.

Pray for the people. All the people. Please take a moment to intercede for everyone who has asked the MBN to pray for them. The MBN Prayer and the Prayer for All Souls is right here for you to use. Just look in the Standard prayers Page. 🙂

chick
Age Quod Agis
In God WE Trust

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About Chick Todd

American Roman Catholic reared as a "Baptiterian" in Denver Colorado. Now living on Kauaʻi. USAF Vet. Married for over 50 years. Scripture study has been my passion ever since my first "Bible talk" at age 6 in VBS.

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