Friday, September 11, 2009

Remembering September 11, 2001

The song has been playing in my head all day, "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning". The images have been flooding my mind like a photo album. Even during my quiet time this morning, my heart seem to cry for the victims, families and for our country. For the first time in our countrys history, terrorist had succeeded in striking not only physically but mentally, the entire nation, for a moment, cripiling us all with fear and tradgedy. I remember well, the place and time when I first heard the news and saw for myself the second plane hit the towers. I remember the thoughts I was thinking and the confusion I felt. And even though I remember the tradgedy, and chaos, today I also remember the heros, resolve and faith that became so important to so many. Some said that everything fell apart that day. Some remark that nobody was in charge on that beautiful bittersweet day. Some responded in panic believing that all hell had broken loose. During my drive back home that afternoon, even I had asked God if this would be the last time I would see my family or even have a normal life again. I asked questions through my tears, how could God allow this to happen in America, and "God what is next?". In those moments when darkness seemed to cover our nation and fear overshadowed my faith, God whispered gently to my heart, "I AM still I AM. Nothing will remove me from my throne". Today, our nation remembers the tragedy, but may we never forget the triumph of Christ 2000 years before that can assure us that personal, national or international crisis, He is still in control even when we aren't. May we never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to rescue those in the towers and Pentagon and those who may have saved thousands of other in the fields of Pennsylvania. So much to remember, how can we ever forget. Thanks be to God for His protection and love. May God bless the families still grieving their loss, may He give peace to those still restless, may God bless America once more! We will never forget!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Revival at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College

Some say God cant. Some say that God will not, and others dream of God moving in their church the way He moved at Clear Creek this past Thursday. Just before seven this past Thursday evening, Clear Creek students began to assemble in the chapel to attend what was the last scheduled service of the fall revival. The opening prayer was prayed and the music started. Students were singing, lifting hands and hearts to the Lord. It was evident that the Lord was up to something, but we were not sure exactly what. Anytime God begins to move, His spirit is so sweet and comforting, and this time was no different. When the music concluded Roc Collins stood up and delivered an awesome sermon on Praise! Psalm 150 tells us Who, How, Where, and Why we praise God. After about 70 minutes of preaching, God broke loose. It began as a simple invitation, that turned into a testimony service. People were coming and apologizing for not praising God more in their lives, they were asking for prayer as they struggled with trusting God, and they were broken as they admitted that God was working in their lives in a special way. I sat, playing the piano, leading in songs such as "My Chains Are Gone", and "It Is Well" and many others, yet after each testimony we were all giving praise to God as a family for working in the lives of many that testified. I watched as the broken hearted were made whole, the solemn were broken, the cynical became sorrowful and the youngest generation worshipped in concert with the older generation. There is something special when Gods people begin to offer praise together. To lift holy hands, and cry out to Him, in one heart and voice. 2 1/2 hours later, people were finished speaking of the goodness of the Lord, but God is far from finished working on Clear Creeks campus. One professor made the comment that he had been there over 10 years and had never seen God move in a way so strong. I pray that God will keep moving, and that students and faculty will allow Him to work and touch as only He can. Revival does not happen when and how we want it but it helps when we begin to call out to Him and praise Him! I am thankful that God allowed me to be a part of this special time in the history of CCBBC. That's right, I believe that this past week will be remembered for years to come as a true move of God. There is so much more that God wants to do on that beautiful campus, and I cant wait to see what it is. To God be the glory...PRAISE YE THE LORD!