of late I think of Shanksville

The fog was thick that September morning as we rode out of Shanksville, the type of fog you have trouble getting off your face shield, similiar to the fog that gives the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee their name. About 200 of us had ridden out to the impact site that morning, after turning off our motors, the only sound heard was from boots walking on the shale parking lot, that temporarily served as parking for the makeshift memorial. A beautiful memorial, simple in that it has personal momentos from Americans who remember the events of 9-11-2001. As tears formed in our eyes, we stood before a cross, waiting for the ceremony to begin-not realizing that we were on holy ground. Spontaneously a man stepped out from the crowd and began to sing the National Anthem, and soon we were all singing, with hands over our chests, in respect and honor of those 40 heroes on flight 93. Words cannot describe the emotions-somewhere betweeen awe/love/curiousity/respect/honor. With a deep sense of gratitude for what they had done.
40 people united on that flight that morning and won the first victory over the Al Queda and those cowardly terrorists. In a day when we were able to watch planes flown into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, there is no film of what these heroes did that day, only some sound bites and memories of last phone calls to loved ones. I have met and talked to women in Shanksville who saw the plane before it went into the mountain that day. I have seen the picture, believed to be the last one of flight 93 as it cruised over a farm, and talked to a man who was out of town that day, only to come home and pick up eight bags of plane parts from his yard two miles away. I also talked with a man who claims to have seen the plane flying low, upside down seconds before the crash. The locals call it Thunder on the Mountain because it sounded like the thunder they get on the ridge. Only that day it was from a plane hijacked by terrorists, then taken back by 40 heroes, American patriots, who when they took off that morning had no idea of their place in history.
And much like the Holy Spirit draws you to God, I am drawn to Shanksville, to this site of the crash, but also to the vision of one man-the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. Father Al was helping with the infrastructure of the crash, when God gave him a vision of the chapel, and that is why it is there today. A story too long to tell except in serial form, this memorial to them draws hundreds of thousands annually to remember why flight 93 has the heroes it does. No visit is complete without visiting both the impact site and the chapel. One a somber ground, where death was the final victory, the other a place to reconcile with God in a peaceful atmosphere, among other patriots. Small momentos are at the chapel also, and one wood burned sign tells better than any words I have seen the love for these heroes. It reads:
THE BRAVE AMERICANS WHO BOARDED FLIGHT 93 DID NOT KNOW THEY WOULD BE CALLED UPON TO BECOME WARRIORS FOR GOOD, IN THE EVER PRESENT BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL. EVEN SO, THEY EXERCISED THEIR GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO FREEDOM BY TAKING A VOTE, AND THEN TOOK OSAMA'S KILLERS TO THE GROUND. SINCE I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY WHO EARNED THE EAGLE, GLOBE, AND ANCHOR, I AM LEAVING THEM ONE OF MINE. SEMPER FI.
KEN GUERCIO
5-30-05

I would advise seeing the memorial soon, as the federal government has plans for a $22million dollar memorial. The present one costs nothing, it is donations and momentos of a personal level from the heart of those who love our country, and honor those who were killed that day. And make sure to stop at the chapel. Tell my friend Father Al I sent you. And listen to the stories, and remember the morning that changed America forever. And then tell others, so we will never forget the blessings that God has given us as Americans-and that evil wants to take away from us. Keep history alive by praying for the families fo these heroes-they too miss their loved ones, every day, not just on birthdays and holidays. You see they were just normal folks like you and me, but when called upon by the holy spirit, responded in love-love for fellow Americans and for God. Scripture came alive on flight 93 that day-may the same God who inspired them, encourage you in your walk. They flew into the shadow of the valley of death, and gave their most precious possession-their lives, so that we can live free. Join me in prayer as I remember them-and their families. As long as the story is told, the memory will forever continue. Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for others. May we all be so humble and obedient when called.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
flt93memorialchapel.org

we say we do, but do we mean it?

Perhaps you are familiar with the saying "it's the economy stupid." You may have even said it, or you may even be stupid, but from politicians to believers, it has been said or heard by us all. And from a worldly perspective, it's correct-the economy, or more precisely money brings power and influence, and with it generally more problems than it solves. Ecclesiastes even tells us the rich man never has enough and doesn't sleep well worrying about it. Some even think it makes the world go around, unlike the song which tells us it is love-and who is love?
I have come to the conclusion that politics runs just the opposite of God. Politics is man using his ways to solve problems, Christians use God's ways to solve problems. You can't do both. In other words, you can solve man's problems using God's ways, but cannot solve spiritual problems using man's ways. No matter how much money you throw at a problem, sometimes it will not go away. And I see too many grounded Christians leaning on legalism rather than the spirit. A good clue they are is they are researching or studying the problem. Sometimes for months, when all God asks is for you to trust Him, He has the answer. Which tells a lot about their relationship with God, it is a set of rules and regulations. Fun, huh? But read the book of Acts. Men did great things, and were rescued from death, stoning, shipwrecks, and other things when in the spirit. Legalism looks for a tangible reason, or excuse-sometimes an escape clause, walking in the spirit requires trust. Faith. And an intimate relationship with the God who wrote the book you are using for research. And it is impossible to please God without faith, takes just a little. Where Moses gave reasons for divorce, and would give a written decree, God tells us nothing is impossible with Him, and shows how earthly marriages should reflect our heavenly marriage.
When at dinner the other night, a friend told me he worries about me because I have been unemployed for 18 months, and can't understand why I don't. By the way, he didn't offer to buy me dinner, he couldn't worry too much. It is called trust. And tells you a lot about my relationship with God-also about his, sadly. Not that mine is better, but trusting God is always the best way. I want all the blessings God has for me. And He loves to bless, so let Him. And it is based on a relationship, not knowledge or anything we have done. God is the same God when I was making six figures as He is when I am making no figures. He doesn't change, nor do my blessings. And Psalms shows its writer saying "help me to not steal and bring shame on you in my poverty, but don't make me too rich that I forget where my blessings come from." And "he has never seen the righteous begging." Makes me wonder about those will work for food signs-God Bless! Do we trust God, or just say we do?
God's economy is different. With so many men unemployed, so many families now have a different approach to life, and God. Unlike Job, when the going gets tough,they accuse God and blame Him. Good thing God is love, try that with your banker. Or VISA! While we work for a paycheck, to solve a problem, then spend it and start the process again, God works on direct deposit. Three examples recently. We have plumbing problems, would have cost about $1000. A friend of Andrew's has us buy the $66 parts, he does the rest after hours-for free. By the way, he is not saved, just glad to help a friend. We had ants, then they returned. Both times another friend had his brother come over and spray the house professionally for free. Andrew had to have wisdom teeth pulled, he had an abscess. The dentist when I told him of my being out of work-technically I am out of a paycheck-if you think I am out of work, try to keep my pace-discounted the service so we would not pay extra for the lab work-which returned negative. In each case God met the need-His resources are always available. Money didn't have to always change hands, because it doesn't always solve the problem.
I also have friends who are retired early-to minister more they say-but when talking to them they do little ministry, but a lot of other things-life has taken them over, not the spirit. I also have good friends who do minister more-because they trust God. Both are Christians, but the scripture that says seek me with all your heart, and be blessed, also reminds us to seek Him first, then all things will be added. Seek a little-get a little, trust a little, get a little. Trust a lot-and the blessings flow. What fruit do you bear?
Contrary to the New York Times, God is not dead-or broke. They are. God is not a debtor, but our nation is. When removed from the classroom, look at the results of the schools. Can you name anything the government can do better than God? Or even private enterprise? This is not a political matter, but a spiritual one. So why do you go to man when you should be going to God?
Where do you stand? Your walk will show. Don't like your job-quit-or quit complaining. Funny how when asked if they miss their job, it is really the paycheck, not the job they miss. Underpaid? Maybe you are just overburdened. But you don't understand! You're right-I don't need or want to-while you do research, I trust God! He offers a peace that surpasses understanding. And you're right-it isn't fair! Because it is not supposed to be-so get over it! Sin stinks. Great trials only increase your need for God, so seek Him and be blessed. Or do you think the government knows what you need more? Who you seek, who you trust tells a lot about who you worship, and what you worship controls you.
Me-I want to be under God's control-self control being fruit of the spirit-look it up, while you are researching. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. He is my complaint department, maintenance crew, and trusted advisor. And my banker-direct deposit, and counselor. Open 24/7, check Him out. Try trusting Him today, ask the spirit to guide you. And enjoy the rest while all others around you panic. And yes, they will think you are crazy-we are, just crazy enough to trust a God we cannot see, touch, or feel. But can have fellowship through via His spirit. Just crazy enough to enjoy His blessings, and provide a witness to others of Him. He is the agenda I wish to have.
Next time you wonder why no one wants to go to church with you, stop and think. Would I like to be like you, whining, complaining, constantly seeking answers and finding none-or would I like to be like someone who has joy in the face of adversity-an overcomer in Christ? The difference is trust. Then listen. Don't be like the pitcher after the manager visited him on the mound, wondering "did he say throw a screwball or I was a screwball?" Make Him your ATM today-Always seeking Him-Trusting Him-and watching the Miracles abound. Know His voice. No codes, just Jesus. Deposit your life in Him today, and start receiving dividends. Big return, small investment. No minimum deposit required.
Maybe it is the economy-God's economy, so don't be stupid. These things shall follow them that believe. What things are following you? Who do you believe? Who do you trust? If you have to research that, you aren't trusting Him like you say. Or sadly maybe you are...
love with trust and compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com