9-11 was just a horrifying day. I remember it vividly. I can remember where I was, what I was doing and even whom I spoke to. Some time later and as of recent there are stickers, posters, and now memes that say “Never Forget.” Yet 22 years later there is a whole generation that really does not realize what that day was like. The tragic events of that day are being forgotten as generations grow older. But does that mean it didn’t happen? I think of this as I am witnessing first hand the fading memory from society of 9-11. So Jesus died nearly 2000 years ago. Obviously there are no longer any eye witnesses and though many know the history of the bible to be true many disregard it. So because there are no longer any living witnesses does that mean it did not happen? In another 50 years will 9-11 be regarded as a hoax, a fable, or a made up news story. Since the Holocaust 90 years ago there are many that claim it did not happen even though there is alot of evidence that it indeed did. We all have the documentation available proving a great sacrifice for us. As the bible says “the wages of sin are death” (Romans 6:23). In other words we are paid for our sins with death…thats the “paycheck.” Jesus was sent to pay the fine for you and I. His life was taken so that we may live. (John 3:16). Life continues after all tragedy but it is important to keep the lessons of those historical accounts alive. The sacrifice of Jesus has remained steadfast for 2000 years! Perhaps the evil in this world convinces many that the past did not occur because to face the truths of the past they would have to look within themselves and admit their own wordly guilt and that just doesn’t feel fun. But imagine if we all did. Imagine a world where we were all incapable of a self righteous attitude and lived as God commanded…to love one another (John 13:34).

If you are even remotely as curious about scripture, God, eternity, heaven etc as I am but have a hard time reading your bible I want to recommend the New Life Translation (NLT) bible. It is such a smooth and comprehendable read. Please, I don’t want to argue about different translations being right or wrong. If you have read my posts you know I don’t take anything at face value. I compare my readings to King James version. The amazing thing about the English language is there are many words that mean the same thing. I promise you if you pick up this version you will find yourself not wanting to put it down. And you can get a copy on Amazon as low as 5 bucks…no fancy leather cover (though those are available too.) I encourage you to at least know for sure in your heart. Don’t just think you know. The mind tends to lean toward whatever makes you think feels good. Remember, the Bible is God’s love letter to us. A love that we cannot begin to comprehend.

Remember when you see images of the cross with Jesus hanging from it, that is not some symbol. That is a man that felt pain just as you and I that was whipped, dragged through the dirt, nails driven through his limbs, hung in the heat with no food and water and finally stabbed in the side with a spear. It was more painful that had he taken a bullet for us. He suffered that agony for us and in turn paid the fine for our sins so that our souls may live.

Thank you God for loving us enough to send your son to suffer so traumatically in order to provide us the opportunity to spend eternity with you. I pray that through your grace that I may be better at acknowledging my own sins and making the changes that please you. Amen