4 PAX used all three F’s to commemorate the fallen of 9/11. The world changed 16 years ago – and obviously not for the better. Our sense of security was violated, and a new darkness settled on US soil. While acts of war and violence are not new to mankind, it was this generation’s first taste.
People have dealt with the grief and anger in different ways. This morning, we used four Bible verses to help us keep events like these – and every day matters – in perspective so that we can weather our own tragedies and help others in the midst of theirs.
Welcome, Disclaimer, and BOM [Q trusts this occurred since he was late and had to meet the PAX down the road]
Meet at the “Fallen But Not Forgotten” memorial on the corner of the county seat:
Round 1: Do not live in Fear. Psalm 27: 1-3
“1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.”
Take a lap around the courthouse and admin buildings.
Round 2: Appreciate Today. James 4:13-17
“13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
Everyone who was immediately affected by the tragedy started their day like any other. Would they have done things differently had they known it was their last? As we took another lap around the courthouse and admin buildings, each PAX shared where they were, and how their lives changed.
Round 3: Live Wise. Ephesians 5:15-17
“15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Take a lap around the courthouse building.
Round 4: Respond with Love. Romans 12:9-21
“9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This is where we live it out. Difficult to respond to hate with love and sacrifice – but difficult is kind of what we do. Take it on back to Icehouse.
Prayer Requests:
*Families of 9/11 victims – that they would know (and that we will show them) the peace that the Lord provides.
*Houston recovery.
*Florida protection.
Announcements:
9/15: Tunnels to Towers
https://tunnel2towers.org/event/2017-tunnel-towers-5k-run-walk-south-carolina/
9/16: Smokehouse Fundraising Event
10/14: 5K at Saluda Shoals to benefit Daybreak Crisis Ministry
10/21: OEW Capitol Tour – 20mi Ruck thru Columbia:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-tour-2017-columbia-sc-tickets-32076960051?aff=efbeventtix
11/03-04: GORUCK Columbia Tough and Light
https://www.goruck.com/tough-challenge-columbia-sc-11-03-2017-21-00-11674/
https://www.goruck.com/light-challenge-columbia-sc-11-04-2017-14-00-11670/
11/11: John Flanagan Memorial 10K
https://lexingtonhalf.com/pages/race-10k.php
11/18: 5K Run for the Troops @ Cayce Amphitheater: