Independence Day!

Micah 6:8

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."



A few years ago when I won the VFW essay contest "Patriot's Pen", I was given a book of quotes called "Lift Every Voice". There are a few really good quotes that I would like to share.



"Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."...Benjamin Franklin



"The condition upon which God hath given liberty unto men is eternal vigilance."...John P. Curran



"Freedom is not a heritage, it is a challenge. And preservation of freedom, whether in the United States or elsewhere is a fresh challenge for each generation." ...C. Donald Dallas



We need to face this challenge and preserve our freedom with vigilance!



"If anyone asks me the meaning of ur flag, I say to him: Under this banner rode Washington and his armies. This banner streamed in light over the soldier's heads at Valley Forge and at Morristown. It crossed the waters roiling with ice at Trenton, and when its stars gleamed in the morning with a victory, a new day of hope dawned on the despondency of this nation."...Henry Ward Beecher



"It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves."...Thomas Jefferson



"The spirit of a nation derives from the integrity of the home."...Margaret Mead



"Fathers and Mothers, if you have children, they must come first. Your success as a family, and our success as a society, depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens at your house."...Barbara Bush



How true! We are raising/will raise the future voters who will eventually determine what sort of things take place at the White House!



"In love of home, love of country has its rise."...Charles Dickens



I think it is important to remember, that though this nation has many sins, and that though our Declaration of Independence and Constitution may have flaws, and though our founding fathers were fallible and none were perfect, yet this nation was created with a mind to God's Word. Therefore, although we may regret the flaws, we must see that this nation has been great--because of God's blessing upon us. The fourth of July is a day to celebrate the freedom and liberty God has blessed us with. The State ought not to have a say in the affairs of the Church, but the Church most certainly ought to be a large participant in the affairs of the State if we would be blessed. I think that as Christians, we ought to find out about the candidates on local, state, and nationwide level, and if there is a candidate who is a Christian, and/or upholds Christian principles, it is our duty to back that candidate.



As Americans and Christians, let us be mindful of God's grace and blessings. Let us repent of our sins and pray, that God will hear, turn and heal this land.



Happy fourth!