Along with all my fellow Americans I was shocked, saddened, hurt, outraged and cried and prayed for all who lost precious friends and family. Being from New York City, my wife Judy and I are thankful to be able to say that none of the members of our natural or spiritual family were directly affected with the loss of a loved one. It defies all intelligence, truth and conscience to understand how subjecting innocent people (including children) to the sheer terror created by these suicidal killers could bring benefit to a cause for God. The terrorists are nothing more than mass murderers. This is a wake up call to the citizens of our nation to recognize there is evil in the world and it can strike you at home.

As an American, I am thankful that Christ is seeded into the hearts of so many. I was thankful, proud and humbled by the bravery and courage of the rescue workers.

Saddened deeply when hundreds of police and fireman also lost their own lives in sacrifice to help others. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and member of His Glorious Body, I was sorrowed by the heartfelt tears of millions and blessed by the hope and prayers of those returning to the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.

Jesus said fear not him that can destroy the body. Fear him that can put both body and soul in hell. I believe this thought has special importance for us right now. While most of us have not suffered physically, we have been affected in some psychological way. Many are feeling anger and rage while others are being intimidated by depression, stress and fear. This is exactly what the enemy wants. He seeks to impose his will not only with the precious loss of life but by terrorizing the mind as well.

I have a friend who was working across the street from the World Trade Towers. He witnessed people jumping out of the buildings holding hands, choosing this horrible way to die rather than be burned to death. It has left a mark on his mind. The safety and security of the citizens of our nation is the most important reason why our response must be dynamic and complete. It is a just and appropriate cause for our elected representatives to authorize the necessary action to protect our freedom and way of life.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? ... for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Romans 13: 3-4

My prayer and hope is that we will not have to fight this battle at all. Remember Jehoshaphat. Stand fast and see the salvation of God. In Jesus Name, I pray that God will raise up a voice of confusion and derision through rumor, innuendo and misinformation. Create strife among all these terrorist groups so that the Spirit of God will cause this false Islamic house of cards to fall upon itself.

I want to firmly state that in spite of this terrifying attack against us, America has nothing to fear.

We are and continue to be the most prosperous, generous and peaceful loving nation that has ever existed. This is simply because at the heart of our declaration of independence, constitution and culture is the Word of God and the Christian faith. I realize that not everyone in our nation believes or understands this, nevertheless it is true.

Sadly the most outspoken public figures in our country today are dedicated to secular humanism, which is why they lack insight into the true nature of this conflict. It is beyond political, social, religious or economic factors. It is a spiritual battle that is a challenge to our faith. We cannot win this war against terrorism by massive power alone. It is going to require the foundation of prayer and intercession. The fundamental mistake these particular killers have made IS THAT THEY HAVE MADE US ALL CRY OUT TO THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD. Now I fear for them. Because when God makes your enemies His enemies, watch out. Remember Israel often stood against overwhelming odds and prevailed because of the Lord. The terrorists do not have any God whatsoever on their side.

AN EVENT OF LIFE: It always saddens me that it often takes an event of death to see people call upon the name of the Lord. They go to church and pray and seek His guidance and help. That is perhaps a positive consequence of tragic times, however Jesus was an event of life that turned our hearts to God. That is why my hope rests in Christ who shall reveal and manifest His image and power in and through those Sons, who grow up to the fullness of the stature of Christ Himself. There is an event of life on the horizon that is going to answer, reconcile and remedy even this loss of life and family: the glorious manifestation of all God's Sons.

*For more information on this topic simply E-mail Peter Demtris at: pastorpeterd@comcast.net