John 15:11-13 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
I Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Matthew 20:26-28 “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 22:36-40 “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This week marks the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11. As a result, please consider the 3-part mini-series that follows as a way to honor those whose service prompted them to run towards danger.
Nearly 3,000 people perished on that September day. Among them were 415 first responders – firefighters, police offices, EMTs and paramedics. Their courageous acts on that day in rushing to the aid of those who were facing perilous danger helped save over 25,000 people.
Among those was Police Officer John Perry, who had plans to attend law school at NYU. This gifted man was in the midst of turning in his retirement papers and handing in his badge when he answered the call to rush to lower Manhattan. He was last seen helping a lady out of the South Tower, using his abundant gifts to minister to others!
Also among those was Fire Chief Orio Palmer, an esteemed firefighter known for his athletic prowess and bold leadership in high-rise fires. His last radio call came from the 78th floor of the South Tower – he and his crew were knocking down fires at that location. He was truly a chief among us!
Additionally among those was EMT Yamel Merino. Though young, she was a highly decorated professional who exhibited a positive attitude and a stunning compassion for others. She last seen aiding evacuees at the base of the South Tower when it collapsed. She loved her neighbor as herself!
PLEASE PRAY FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TO USE THE BRAVE ACTIONS OF THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR THEIR SERVICE ON 9/11 TO MOTIVATE US TO SERVE FAITHFULLY TODAY. May we bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
