by Pastor Patrick Cho
Dear LBC family and friends,
As you know, today marks the twelfth anniversary of the atrocious terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D. C., and Pennsylvania. Images are flooding the news and social media taking us back to the day when the World Trade Center went down and the Pentagon was attacked. We are reminded of the heroes of Flight 93 who saved the nation’s Capitol when their plane went down in a Pennsylvania field. This a sobering time of reflection across America as flags fly at half mast and ceremonies and vigils are held in the nation’s capital. We remember those whose lives were lost as victims and heroes, and grieve with their families and loved ones. It would be good to take some time to pray today for our nation.
In the opening verses of 1 Timothy 2, the Lord commands the church to pray for all men, but especially for our governing authorities. This is because God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Whatever our political biases, as Christians we are called to pray for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. We ought to pray that the Lord would give our governing leaders wisdom to lead this country and the resolve to stand up for what is right. But more than anything, we need to pray that the gospel would get a foothold on our society and that souls would be won for the Lord Jesus Christ, because it is only in Christ that this nation has true hope.
Sometimes the Lord uses tragedies to bring us back to our knees in prayer and dependence. He uses our hurt to remind us of our frailty and the fleetingness of life. In the infinite wisdom of God, He can take our greatest trials and turn them for our benefit according to His sovereign purposes. As we remember 9/11, let’s also remember our God who was there in New York, Washington D. C., and Pennsylvania. Let’s pray that the country would not just see this day as a reason to find strength in itself, but to look to the Lord to be its strength.
In His grace,
Pastor Patrick
This week’s announcements:
- Wednesday Night Bible Study. Tonight is the last summer Bible study for the singles and youth! We will meet at the church at 6:30 PM for dinner. Be sure to bring some cash for the bucket. After tonight, we will take a break until October.
- College Bible Study. College Life will meet for Bible study on Friday, September 13, at 7:00 PM.
- Fall Festival Planning Meeting. If you are interested in helping out with the upcoming Fall Festival, please contact Josh Liu as soon as possible (liu.joshuac@gmail.com). There is a planning meeting scheduled for this Saturday, September 14, at 10:00 AM.
- Flocks. Flocks will meet next week from September 18-21 in various homes throughout the community. Signups will be taken one more time this Sunday after service in the foyer. Be sure to join a flock!
- FITS. We will be having our last Fun in the Sun day for the summer on Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Torrey Hills Neighborhood Park. Bring $5 for food (kids 0-12 eat free!).
- Please pray for the children’s, youth, and college ministries as the school year gets underway once again. Pray that God would use the church to make an impact in students’ lives and that He would be glorified through these ministries.