Into the Fire

As summer slides into its off-season, this lovely shot of a Weeping Willow sends my thoughts to the name of this beautiful tree. Its leaves and branches curve downward after sprawling up and outward. Like tears falling to the ground, someone captured the imagery in naming this tree.

With another year of marking the tragedy and terror of 9/11, there was much weeping on the 15 year anniversary of the attack against America. Great loss, great sacrifice, great sorrow accompany the date and remind a nation how quickly lives can be changed.

Little can be said that hasn't been said. Anger is not displaced. Sorrow dominates. Weeping continues.

Without God hearts will see only death and peril in this treacherous world and in spite of different speeches extoling hope and promise, the only One able to provide those is our One True God in His Son Jesus Christ. People can scoff at this assertion, even laugh it off, argue the conclusion, or insult the faith of us who believe. Those feelings and attitudes won't erase or even affect the Truth. God is. He cannot be mocked. Evil has its day, but those who follow after it will not have the eternity they seek – if they seek eternity. There is one truth. Not many. It's not man's truth – because without God all man has are lies, falsehoods, theories, and philosophies.

One of my favorite scriptures, so poignant for today, is Colossians 2:8. I always include it when I sign a book I've written.

     See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (NIV)

Monday morning musings . . .

Father, only you can save souls. Only you can inspire us to pray for souls. Only you can draw those souls. Please, Holy Spirit, draw the lost to you. So many perish – not your heart's desire. Help them to see who you truly are. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.