Online Devotions: The Lord of Rebuilt Lives

Sunday, September 11, 2016

The Lord of Rebuilt Lives

September 11 (Acts 2:1)

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. (ESV)

Today, fifteen years after the devastating 9/11 attack, our church celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. Thousands of current members of our church and those who were former members and had returned from far away joined in an incredible celebration of all that God has done through this particular body over the last quarter century.

Why? Why would so many people want to gather? Was it just nostalgia, a chance to see old pictures and videos and recall fond memories? I can tell you it was far more than that. There was indeed reflection on the past, but the inescapable conclusion was one of excitement over what God has done during that time…the lives redeemed, the lives rebuilt, the lives set free, the lives healed, the lives sparked into full engagement in Kingdom work. This, of course, forces us to ask another question, one that people have asked for two thousand years. Just Who is this Jesus Whom people credit with such life change?

He is the One Who rebuilds that which has fallen. We have a new building on the site of the twin towers in New York City, as well we should. Terrorists will not keep us down. Yet that building, like the ones it replaced, will one day fall. Jesus even said in John 2:19 that the temple in Jerusalem would fall, and then He added that He would raise it up in three days, a reference to His resurrection. When Christians gather to celebrate the Lord of rebuilt lives, it is like nothing else. It is part of the reason that we must gather in both small and large groups as frequently as we can. The next time you are with brothers and sisters in the faith, what memories will you be able to share about the ways in which Christ Jesus has rebuilt you?

Father above, thank You for the redemption that is mine in Jesus, my Savior. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within me and continues the work of sanctification in my life. May my reflections on all that You have done in my life be an endless source of praise back to You. Amen.

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.