America's Great and Noble Heritage

Devotion and Prayer 8-24-17

“Although America has not always lived up to her own best principles, she has a great and noble heritage.  It would be a shame if that heritage were to be squandered because of misunderstandings and distortions of the Founders principles…Our task is to recover the truth…to discern its strengths, to acknowledge its defects, and to pass on that knowledge to future generations. 

In 1779 Thomas Jefferson proposed a law that would have provided for gradual emancipation in Virginia.  In Congress in 1784, he proposed a law, which came within one vote of adoption, that would have banned slavery from the entire Western territory of the United States.  In 1787 he published his widely read book, Notes on the State of Virginia, which contained the most eloquent denunciation of slavery written by anyone in the founding era, and a detailed plan for the freedom of slaves where children would be brought up, at public expense, to tillage, arts, or sciences, according to their geniuses, . .. (till grown) and colonized,  sending them out with arms, implements, of household and of the handicraft arts, feeds, pairs of the useful domestic animals, etc. to declare them a free and independent people, and extend to them our alliance and protection, till they shall have acquired strength.”   

Now, that does not sound like the words of an evil racist elitist to me. These words are just a small example from Vindicating the Founders by author Thomas G. West.  I share this to help us to peer into the heart and mind of one of our beloved founding fathers. 

Let’s pray: Our dear, gracious heavenly Father, we thank you that you created us in your image and likeness with the ability to grow in knowledge and the capacity to appreciate it.  Help us to love and teach others that which is “honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report and virtuous. We are grateful for our great and noble heritage and we give you praise for it, for Blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord.  We ask you O God, for your continued mercy and favor.  We beseech you O Lord, for wisdom and guidance for all our leaders.  Impress upon them the urgency of the hour and the need to produce policy that is right in your sight and for the good of the American people, in Jesus precious name we pray, amen.     

Fourth of July - "The philosophical revolution that changed the concept of government!"

Devotion and Prayer – 06-22-17    by Barbara Moore

We are soon to celebrate our country’s birthday on the 4^th of July so it’s my pleasure to share some thoughts about it.  We are the only nation on the face of the earth to be founded upon a creed, the Declaration of Independence, where we acknowledged Almighty God, set forth our ideals, and proclaimed our identity.

Our beloved President Ronald Reagan stated it this way, “The day of our nation’s birth in that little hall in Philadelphia, was a day on which debate had raged for hours…To sign the Declaration of Independence was such an irretrievable act that the walls resounded with the words ‘treason, the gallows, the headman’s axe,’ and the issue remained in doubt.  (But) On that day 56 men, a little band so unique we never have seen their like since, pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.  Some gave their lives in the war that followed, most gave their fortunes, and all preserved their honor…In recent years, however, I’ve come to think of that day as more than just the birthday of a nation.  It also commemorates the only true philosophical revolution in all history…ours was a revolution that changed the concept of government!  Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the 1^st time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with NO powers of its’ own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.  We sometimes forget that and we never should.”   

Let’s pray today the words of Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of our Declaration of Independence: “Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will.  Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence...pride…and every evil way.   Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues… In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and, in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail, all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.   AMEN.        

Memorial Day Tribute

“What do these stones mean?” the children of Israel asked their fathers as they viewed the memorial stones.  They were told that it was the evidence of God‘s presence leading all of their people into the freedom of the promised land.  Every child was to be told the meaning of the stones lest they forget who it was that gave them their freedom and how it was done.                                                               

 On Memorial Day many of us will view the gravestones of our brave countrymen who fought and died for America.  Our children, too, must learn the meaning of those stones, lest the memory of those who lay beneath them and what they fought for be forgotten-and their deaths be in vain.

They were Americans.  They came from all over our nation:  the north, the south, the east and the west, to answer their country’s call.  They were the rich and the poor of every color; they were from the farmlands and the cities; they were the scholars and the factory workers from all different ethnic backgrounds, but they were all Americans.  They were prepared and dedicated to defend our freedom.  They stood for America, where a man could be a man-where he could hold his head up and walk shoulder to shoulder with every other man, without having to grovel and cower in fear before tyrants.  They stood for America, where the circumstances of one’s birth did not dictate the course for one’s life-the place where a man could choose and fulfill his own destiny.   He could, with hard work and God-given ability, make his dreams come true.  Yes, America has always been the place where dreams could come true!  We even call it, “The American Dream!” You and I can still dream the dream only because of the sacrifices of those beneath the gravestones.  These stones help us to remember that there is a high cost for our freedom. We must remember and live for those American ideals for which many Americans lived and died.  We can honor their sacrifice by lifting high “the sacred fire of liberty” and passing it on to future generations, lest we forget…    Let’s pray together: Thank You, O Lord, that sacrifice is precious, beautiful, and sacred in your sight.  Help us to remember those who gave their all for us.  Their sacrifice for our country is a gift to be cherished forever.  Open the windows of heaven and pour out your blessings upon their families, and upon those presently serving and their loved ones.  We praise you, O God, and thank you for our country.  Give our leaders courage & wisdom, in Jesus name, Amen.  

 

Alabama Students # 50 in the Nation at the Very Bottom!

If the leadership in a business dragged it's sales down to the bottom among its' competitors, we can be certain those responsible would be fired immediately!  And they only are dealing with money losses.  But when the Common Core advocates in Alabama education plunge our children's educational achievements from 25th in the nation to number 50 at the very bottom, they are not canned, they are allowed to remain to conduct other harmful experiments on our children.  After all, they're only children and are helpless to change anything.  It's only their lives and their futures we're talking about.  Does this make sense?  Has everybody lost their minds?  These are children, not laboratory rats!  Children learn what they are taught and the scores reflect what they've been taught. Our children have unlimited untapped potential for greatness because they were created by God in His own image and likeness but Common Core is keeping a lid on it or snuffing it out!


Is the political leadership off the hook?  Oh, no they are not!  The people of Alabama have written, called, held meetings and rallies, and begged our legislators to support a bill to stop Common Core and return to traditional education, which was used to improve our test scores to 25th in the nation! Did they do it? No. Their campaign contributions would dry up from the leadership in the Business Council of Alabama.  The BCA wants a docile and trained workforce!  But parents want their children to live up to their God-given potential so that His plan and will for them can be fulfilled.


We still have a Stop Common Core bill which will be introduced in the House by Representative Barry Moore this session.  It is our last chance to stop Common Core in Alabama this year.  Please contact him and give him your support if you don't want our children to stay # 50th in the nation.  

Miracle in March!

 

The true and living God of the Bible has been mighty on our behalf throughout our country’s history!  “Blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord!”  I hope you enjoy one of our many miracle stories!

By the winter of 1776 the British forces were firmly entrenched in Boston, and General George Washington was just as firmly determined to dislodge them and drive them out!  After Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain “Boys” captured Fort Ticonderoga without a single shot fired, and “in the Name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress,” General Washington sent Henry Knox to retrieve the heavy artillery there.  He did so by building sleds to carry the cannons over snow and ice down to Boston.  General Washington believed that God was leading him to fortify the heights on the Dorchester Peninsula, from which Boston could be bombarded with the heavy guns.  The daunting obstacles the patriots faced led Washington’s advisors to unanimously oppose the plan but the General disregarded them, proceeding on with his plan, believing that God would supply what was needed to accomplish it. February in Boston meant hard frozen ground, which made it impossible to dig fortifications and without which the Americans could easily be blown off the hills.  Among the officers was a young amateur engineer by the name of Rufus Putnam who “just happened” to stop by the headquarters of Brigadier General Heath where he spied a book on field engineering.  Within the pages, he found a diagram and description of a “chandelier”, a piece of wooden French equipment that could be built and preassembled in sections to connect and provide a barrier as effective as a trench!  General Washington ordered the construction of hundreds of these sections and on the night of March 4^th, 800 men labored to place the preassembled defenses into position, working hour after hour.  But wait!  Wouldn’t they be seen in the moonlight and heard by the British? No!  God supplied their need and brought a fog to roll in and cover their operations at the base of the hill and even a breeze to carry away the noise!  Praise God!                

 At dawn on March 5^th (the anniversary of the Boston Massacre), the British were stunned at the sight of massive fortifications on Dorchester Heights that had appeared like magic!  General Howe exclaimed, “The rebels have done more in one night than my whole army would have done in months!” Boston was turned over to the Americans without the loss of a single life on either side!

Let’s Pray:  Our God and Father, we come before Your throne of grace and mercy in the Name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, praising You for working wonders among us since our founding!  Thank You for all the miracles that You’ve performed on our behalf! Thank You that You’re not finished but continue to bless us, O God!  We are grateful that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.  These wonderful stories of Your blessing help build our faith and help us realize who You have called us to be – Your people – Your family - shining Your light for all the world to see and embrace!  How we love You, precious Lord!  In Jesus lovely name we pray, amen.     

  

Freedom Must Be Defended!

Our 1^st 100 Days under President Trump’s administration are incredibly exciting as we watch him keep his promises to the American people!  Included is our President’s firm commitment to the “great rebuilding of our American military!”  He knows that the bullies of the world prey on the weak but don’t pick on the strong.  His philosophy echoes that of Ronald Reagan in “peace through strength” and “we win, they lose!”  President Trump’s policy also agrees with George Washington, who said that,”To be prepared for war is the most effectual means of preserving peace,” which we all desire.  The dome on our Capitol building in Washington D.C. is topped by a colossal sized bronze statue which reflects this wisdom.  Today she is known as “FREEDOM”, but her original and correct name is, “ARMED FREEDOM”!  In her right hand she holds a sword as she “stands at the ready”, while her left holds a laurel wreath of victory.  The sword of Armed Freedom is sheathed, indicating that she prefers peace but is prepared for war.  The God who gives us life, also gives us the right to defend that life. 

Let’s pray:  Thank you, Father, that your desire is for innocent lives to be protected and defended.  We see in your Word that it is the proper role of government to “execute wrath upon evildoers” who would take away our God-given rights to life, liberty and property.  Lord, we too, desire peace and we pray for peace and harmony within our borders and throughout the world.  Thank you that we’ve lived long enough to see bold and good leadership in our country once again.  We pray for all those in authority that they be just, governing in the fear of you, Lord.  May they always walk in integrity, doing what is right in your sight. Protect them from evil and keep us all in the palm of your hand to do your will and good pleasure, in Jesus lovely name we pray, amen.       

 

 

Devotion and Prayer for President Trump

Forever to be remembered is the miracle of mercy God bestowed upon America in the past presidential election! Many Americans believed that the 2016 election was the last opportunity to save our country and so we prayed, worked, and voted like never before.  And here we are with a brilliant and bold president with the vision and plan to make America great again!  Praise God!  We love President Trump’s courage and drive to go forward with right policies regardless of the opposition!  Surrounding himself with exceptional advisors, he’s got his pedal to the metal and is not slowing down to placate the nay-sayers.  He is a man of his word who keeps his promises.  President Trump’s sincere love for America and the American people shines through and we love it!

Let’s pray together:  Our gracious and merciful Father, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for raising up Donald Trump to be our president during this crucial time.  We appreciate his passion and enthusiasm to take on difficult tasks.  We thank you for gifting him with an understanding of the times like the sons of Issachar in the Bible, and the knowledge and wisdom to accomplish his goals for our nation.  Thank you that your favor rests upon him.  We pray a hedge of protection round about him, his family, and our beloved country.   We thank you once again, Lord, that you didn’t leave us to ourselves but you have heard and answered the prayers of your people.  Please help us to do what is right in your sight as individuals and as a nation, in Jesus precious name, we pray, Amen.