The attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was a horrible act of violence by religious extremists. Their acts are unconscionable. Nevertheless leaders from all nations are warning that more violent acts of terrorism may come. They caution us that, though now few in number, these furtive enemies of Western civilization are intelligent, cunning and capable. We should never underestimate the havoc they can inflict.

Many leaders are also imploring us to pray for God's help. Indeed we should. But let's be realistic enough to realize that God will hear us only if we are willing to hear Him.

It is time we took the blinders off our eyes. Our entire Western culture is caught up in an evolutionist philosophy that believes God doesn't exist or the surreal notion that we can do whatever we please and God's attitude toward us is one of ignoring our sins-that He simply needs and desires our adulation and attention. But that is not how the Holy Scriptures describe His view of humanity. The message they thunder from Genesis to Revelation is a call for repentance and obedience to God's laws and His way of life.

In times of trouble God offers this encouragement: "If My people ... will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2Chronicles 7:14).GN