July 2009 Message from the Pastor
Once again, we are privileged to celebrate our Nation’s 233rd birthday as a land of the free and the home of the brave. There have been many wars and many sacrifices made to preserve and defend our liberties. There will be many patriotic events of celebration this 4th that will be marked with fireworks, cookouts and family gatherings. There are many in the armed forces right now deployed places far from the country they love. They are putting their lives on the line to defend you and me. Pray for their safety and for their dedicated service.
In the midst of battle, our first president, who was first a general in our fight for independence, prayed for divine protection and guidance. The best known picture of George Washington is of him kneeling on the snow-covered ground in prayer.
Praying was not reserved only for times of war, but was George Washington’s usual exercise in faith, something he did often and with conviction.
At the age of 20 he wrote a little book of prayer entitled “Daily Sacrifices,” which he frequently used. These prayers are a revelation of the faith which he professed. Here is one of them.
“Pardon, I beseech Thee, my sins, remove them from Thy presence as far as the east is from the west, and accept me for the merits of Thy Son Jesus Christ, that, when I come into Thy temple and compass Thy altar, my prayers may come before Thee as incense; and Thou wouldst hear me calling upon Thee in my prayers, so give me grace to hear Thee calling on me in Thy Word, that it may be wisdom, righteousness, reconciliation, and peace to the saving of my soul in the day of the Lord Jesus. Be our God and guide this day and forever for His sake, who lay down in the grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Let us pray for our country as we celebrate this 4th of July as one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.
God bless America, Land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home sweet home…
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
Filed under: Messages from Pastor Kittel
