Observation/Application: Today, we will see tributes to those who lost their
lives that horrific day 5 years ago.  Every network will be showing footage
of that day and we’ll hear stories of those who survived as well as those
who lost loved ones.  We’ll hear the President as he addresses the nation
and we’ll hear critiques from the right and the left analyzing his every
word regarding the war on terror.  As I watch this stuff one question
resonates with me.  As Christ followers how should you and I respond?  What
should our attitude be?  Is there a Godly view on the war on Terror?  The
answer is yes.  We need to be a church and a people that shows’ mercy.  I
have a view on the war and no doubt so do you.  If your view is different
than mine who is right?  Well, I know that when Christ gave the beatitudes
all sorts of people gathered together.  There were people with different
religious backgrounds, people with different political views, people who
were pious, and people who were not.  Through Jesus message people were
brought together and he called people to be merciful.  Mercy is interesting
in that it takes sacrifice.  I have to give up something to show mercy.  It
may be time, money or even pride. Yet when we show mercy we show people
unconditional love.  This was the heart of what I believe Jesus was teaching
and he certainly demonstrated mercy on the cross proving his unconditional
love for you and for me.  Unconditional love has the power to change people.
It has the power to bond and heal the broken hearted.  It has the power to
transform.  Most important it has the power to lead people to God’s truth.
Maybe instead of trying to be right I need to try harder to be merciful.

Prayer: Lord I pray I would show mercy every day.  I know that I can not do
that in my own strength.  I so desire to want the truth of the cross to be
seen by those who need you so I ask that you would give me wisdom in how I can show mercy to those you love.  Amen.

Blessings,

Steve