A Prayer for September 11

Prepared this for the electronic version of the church newsletter going out today:

Almighty God, on this anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we ask You to help us remember the sense of vulnerability and desperation for You with which many reacted on that day and to live all our days similarly. Teach us what it means to trust in You, knowing that neither perfect safety nor perfect ease are promised to us in this world. But in Christ, You promise to be with all who trust in Him until the close of this age and that, through His resurrection, You have totally and eternally conquered sin, death, and darkness. We pray Your continuing comfort for those who lost loved ones on that grim September morning, as well as for the families whose loved ones have died in battle since. We ask that You would give Your Church--all of us who trust in Jesus Christ as God and Savior--a renewed and constantly renewing passion for sharing the good news of new and everlasting life for all who turn from sin and believe in Christ. Christ and His Gospel are the only antidote to human sin, including our own sin; by Your Holy Spirit, empower us to humbly and boldly share Christ in our words and through our lives. In the Name of Christ we pray. Amen

"Servant Leadership" in Christ's Church

Good thoughts on this subject from John Schroeder. The greatest aspiration any Christian can have isn't top status or being the center of attention, but being useful in the hands of the God to Whom she or he owes eternal life. That is a very chastening and humbling thought for me.

So Far, So Great

Learned from a friend earlier today that U2's latest LP, Songs of Innocence, could be downloaded free at iTunes. Grabbed it quick. So far, so great. My recommendation? Get it!

"Thunderstruck"

You're out! (I would be too.)

Super Moon Sky

The Moon is lighting up the sky and everything beneath it after midnight on Tuesday morning. Last night for the current Super Moon, I hear. Far more amazing than this video can display.

Sunday Afternoon Sky

Just a smattering of clouds could be seen in Sunday afternoon's deep blue sky here.