"911"

First From Julie's Keyboard:

As we go about in this life from day to day and note the changes in the dispositions of people all over this land, it's getting to be disturbing.  Far too many people seem to be "on the edge" we might say.  This reminded me of a line in one of the popular children's movies "Shrek."  The character known as "Donkey" is quoted as saying, "I'm a donkey on the edge!"

How well said, indeed!  Too often we're seeing folks behave just like a "donkey on the edge."  There seems to be no patient tolerance afforded even in the normal routine of life.  Someone is out there ready to get "in your face" at any moment if it seems that you've troubled their pathway.  We certainly know that we can expect these occurrences, but what sort of character must we reveal in our reaction?

As I was thinking along these lines, I was reminded of a Scripture from the book of Micah 6:8

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

What a powerful response!  Why not take the higher ground of approach to the aggravations of this life and show forth this requirement of the Lord.  Justice, mercy and humility, what a powerful trio! 

Sure it's no fun when we're cut off in traffic, or someone's giving us naughty hand signals and blessing us out.  This behavior speaks for itself.  It's called "low living."  Shouldn't we, as the children of God, take the higher path?  That" higher plain" where our feet is on" higher ground?"

As a word of encouragement today,  though these behaviors will be among us always, let's be wise in our response by practicing the Word of God.  This action will make us free indeed.

Blessings,

Julie
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"911"

Here we are, 10 year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks upon our nation. It seems incumbent upon me to  write something to honor this event.  I have searched for words but it seems all that can be said has been said over the past 10 years.  What else can I add to the surmountable greatness that has been expressed over the years by many great men?

I am sure this up coming event will prove again to have great men speaking words in honor of those who have given their lives in an effort to comfort as well and encourage our nation.  But something will be noticeable absent from this years ceremonies, the present of clergy and the influence of Christian prayers.

It has been deemed by the appropriate leadership that these prayers are now not only offensive but not necessary for us as a people or nation.  We apparently have no need of such foolish dependence, as to ask God for his divine protection and blessings or to thank him for His past influence. 

We apparently believe our own words and efforts are sufficient to build a nation upon.  This of course is an abandonment from our traditional core beliefs that have brought us to such a wonderful experience of freedom.  But of course we know better now, those before us were foolish in their religious beliefs, we are more educated now and have a better understanding of life and government and the pursuits of man.  We understand man is evolving and becoming better and more intelligent as our technology advances. 

Since we no longer hold to these old beliefs nor put any value upon our dependence and responsibilities to God, since we no longer feel compelled to pray, I thought it would be good to review our history and let those who have come before us once again pray for us and our nation.

I will first ask our first President and father of our nation, George Washington, to lead us in a personal devotional prayer for each of our individual lives.

President Washington: "O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul....

Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the gospel; give me repentance from dead works; pardon my wanderings, and direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation; teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments; make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber, but daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life, bless my family, friends, and kindred." -- Prayer from Washington's prayer journal, Mount Vernon

Since it will be absent at the ceremony, I will now ask our Second President, Thomas Jefferson, to offer a prayer for our nation.

President Jefferson: "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 ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. 

Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. 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." -- Washington D.C., March 4, 1801

Considering the difficult days that have approached us, I will now turn to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to lead us in our cry to God.

President Roosevelt: Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity...

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...

Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home--fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them--help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice...

Give us strength, too--strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace--a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil." --D-Day, June 6, 1944

May God bless each of you,

David