Over 3,000 Americans were murdered by Muslim Extremists

DID YOU FLY YOUR FLAG?

Yesterday was 9/11, the anniversary of that terrible day when over 3,000
Americans were murdered by Muslim Extremist. Many of us saw again the
terrible pictures or watched replays of the video clips showing this
terrible event. I like many of you saw these things and was reminded of how
fragile our lives really are and just how much a few people can change the
lives of many.

I purchased a new American flag to display in front of our house. I want
everyone to know how much my wife and I love our country and that we will
not forget this terrible act of terrorism against our county. Did you fly
your flag?

Sometimes it is necessary to make a statement, to let others know that you
do take sides that some things are important enough for you to possibly make
yourselves targets for those who might seek to intimidate or terrorize you.
At some point you must believe strongly enough to do something, even if it
is only to fly your flag! We must do some thing, even when our president and
major news networks refuse to "take sides" with the vast majority of
Americans, because they "don't want to offend anyone."

The principal is no different with our Christianity! We have too many
"silent" or "secret" Christians in our world. They don't speak up for
Christ, don't demonstrate their faith, and don't take a chance at sharing
Christ, because they "don't want to offend anyone."

Christ, who is our example and who we are to emulate (Philippians 2:5)
didn't have that problem! Yes, he was loving and caring, but he was also not
afraid to step up and speak out for God whenever he got the chance. Yes, he
sometime offended those who were caught up in a different way of serving
God. Whether it was the Pharisees' or Scribes or political leaders like
Kings or tax collectors, he took a stand for God. He did what needed to be
done and said what needed to be said. He carried the banner, the flag of God
for the entire world to see and never apologized or backed down for taking
his stand for what was right. No, rather, he prayed to God the Father that
He would forgive those who rejected him, tortured him and eventually killed
him.

Many people believe that Christianity is passive, and to a certain degree
that will work. But we sometimes sing the song, "Soldiers of Christ Arise
and put your armor on," because at some time we must realize that we are at
war with Satan, his influences and those who follow him.

So again, not only, did you fly our flag, but do you fly your flag daily!
Not just the flag of our great country, but the Flag of Faith, the Banner of
Christ that proclaims to all around us that we are willing to be seen as
someone who takes a stand for what is right. Not apologizing for God's word,
not holding back on proclaiming what God has told us, because we "might
offend someone."

Paul writes to the Christians in the city of Ephesus: "Wherefore take unto
you the whole amour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore" (Ephesians 6:13-14a,
KJV).

"Having dong all to stand, stand therefore," one translation says, "having
done all, to keep your place. Take your place," how are you doing at taking
and keeping your place in God's army?

Could it be time for you to fly your flag, declare to the entire world who
and what is important to you?

Russ Lawson