Not Revenge But Justice in Times of War

Our prayers and love goes to all who have lost and suffer in this terrible attack. Let us rally to the Flag and God.

What America is about is shown in these times. In stress and danger we become what we should always be, Americans, and not dash Americans. If anything, we should be at least Americans dash. America is first, not some other group, etc. The emergency workers and citizens have shown this is what makes our country truly strong. It is sad that it takes war, and not peace, for this to come to the front.

When Jesus said "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt 5:44), he was not saying to surrender to them but don't be like them. Before we take Jesus' words too far, just remember that he will be on the White Throne pronouncing the judgments to the lost before they go in Hell. Thus he did not mean forgiveness to the extreme of no accountability. He is the same Person of God who sent justice to Achen and his family (Joshua 7) through the people identifying, accusing, and punishing them by death. War won Canaan for Joshua.

We must bring to justice, using whatever means it takes, to those who declared war on all of us at New York City and the Pentagon. We are to use government to do this. (Rom 13:2-4 RSV) "Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, {4} for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer." Just as God directed Joshua to make sure with valid evidence before he acted, so is our government to do the same. It is doing this. When the evidence is in, then it will be the time to act.

In spite of some people's efforts, we are still "One nation, under God, indivisible." There will be years of effort and more pain and death to come, but no nation, under God, is removed from the life sin causes. (John 17:14-15 RSV) "I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. {15} I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one." But we can handle it better and come out stronger.

"Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever"{Thomas Jefferson}

President Bush's address to the nation

"Good evening.

Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbours.

Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger.

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world.

And no one will keep that light from shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbours who came to give blood and help in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared.

Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C., to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.

The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow.

Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.

The search is under way for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.

Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me."

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time.

None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

Thank you. Good night and God bless America."

AFP

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

AMERICA BLESS THE WORLD!