Tuesday, July 3, 2018

God Bless America!


Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. ~Declaration of Independence

Happy Birthday, America!  Tomorrow, July 4th, we will commemorate 242 years of independence from Great Britain.  And while many of our celebrations will focus on family gatherings, parades, cookouts, and fireworks, it's also a time to reflect upon the astounding foresight our Founding Fathers had in creating these two documents:  The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution, which they hoped and prayed would keep this country governed by and for the people for generations to come.

So instead of composing an original post today, I choose to share with you some Biblical wisdom quoted from American presidents through the years, statements which confirm that historically, we are "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart. ~Thomas Jefferson

We have staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government, far from it.  We have stoked the whole of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the commandments of God.  The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded. ~James Madison

The Bible is the first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention. ~John Quincy Adams

Finally, it is my most fervent prayer to that Almighty Being before whom I now stand, and who has kept us in His hands from the infancy of our Republic unto the present day, that He will so overrule all my intentions and actions and inspire the hearts of my fellow-citizens that we may be preserved from dangers of all kinds and continue forever a united and happy people. ~Andrew Jackson

I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible.  Take all of this Book upon reason that you can, and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man. ~Abraham Lincoln

All must admit that the reception of the teachings of Christ results in the purist patriotism, in the most scrupulous fidelity to public trust, and in the best type of citizenship. ~Grover Cleveland

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life.  Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic expression of Americanism.  Thus, the Founding Fathers of America saw it, and thus with God's help, we will continue to be. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower

The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God. ~John F. Kennedy

If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under. ~Ronald Reagan

America is a nation of believers and together we are strengthened by the power of prayer . . . Our rights are not given to us by men, our rights are given to us by our Creator.  No matter what, no earthly force can take those rights away. ~Donald J. Trump

I close this post with a prayer I cherish in these recent time in America that try men's and women's souls:  If my people called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~2 Chronicles 7:14

May God bless America, and may we be the people He has chosen for His inheritance.

Amen!

17 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful post, Martha. Thank you so much.

    It saddens me that here in the UK we do not discuss or proclaim God. He is kept out of Government, schools, work and everything else. Christianity is in retreat it seems.

    It reminds me once, years ago, when our then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, was discussing his faith in an interview, his director of strategy and communications, Alastair Campbell, intervened to prevent the Prime Minister from answering by saying "We don't do God".

    See: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1429109/Campbell-interrupted-Blair-as-he-spoke-of-his-faith-We-dont-do-God.html

    Sadly, many politicians here these days make it know often enough that they are atheists. It's like a badge of honour. A politician will not get far in the UK by saying he is a Christian.

    Another British politician, Liberal Party Leader, Tim Farron, had to resign as leader because he felt being a Christian is incompatible to being Liberal leader.

    See: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/14/tim-farron-quits-as-lib-dem-leader

    Sorry to go on a bit, Martha. It is to show how much we have excluded God and Christianity out of political life, and life in general, here in the UK.

    God bless.

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  2. Sorry ... forgot to wish you and all yours a Happy 4th of July.

    God bless you all.

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  3. Such a sad state of affairs in the UK, Victor, it just breaks my heart, and I know it must break God's heart, too. People who mistakenly think they can live full and righteous lives outside of a relationship with Jesus are to be most pitied. Many liberals in this country take the same stance as the UK politicians; Christian conservatives are mocked for "clinging to our guns and religion" like we are some backwoods reprobates. More than ever, prayers are needed to heal the divisions and help all to love our neighbor as ourselves.
    Love and blessings!

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  4. This is a beautiful post, Martha Jane. It saddens me that Christians remain in the majority in this country but "we" continue to elect representatives who undermine God at every turn. We can't be quiet.

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    1. No, Terri, we need to speak up at every opportunity. So glad you enjoyed the post!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Beautiful post, Martha! Thank you for sharing the words of our former presidents and their knowledge of our need of God. It's amazing how God gives us freedom that is true freedom--freedom does come at a cost but it's worth it.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. Yes, freedom comes at a cost, and always will, Kim. I think of the sacrifices many of our Founding Fathers had to face to push against tyranny. Some lost their lives or their property. Hoping we remember them as we celebrate the Fourth this year.
      And we are blessed to have had presidents who are believers.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. I love this, Martha. Thank you for compiling some amazing quotes we all need to read. I shared it on social media.
    May God continue to bless America!

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    1. Thanks so much for the share, Beckie! Yes, I found these quotes to be so inspiring, it was my privilege to post them here.
      And may God continue to bless us!
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Homerund, sister!!! The fact that this nation is here proves the sovereign hand of God will be eternally at the helm!

    Happy 4th!

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    Replies
    1. Amen, Floyd! A very happy 4th to you, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  8. perfect read for the 4th of July!! Hope you are enjoying the holiday.Blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Jean! Yes, I'm certainly enjoying the holiday - one of my favorites.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. I love these quotes by leaders who understood how badly we need God to really have freedom in America. Good choice for your post Martha.

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    1. Thanks, Betty, and glad you liked these quotes from our presidents. They knew that without God, we are nothing.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. Martha, hi! Yesterday's celebration was good for me {via TV in the evening!} because politics has gotten too mixed up in my appreciation for all this country means to me. It was good for me to hear {and sing along with} all those patriotic songs I grew up with, to be reminded again of how much we've been given.

    With nary a political figure or commentary in sight. It was a blessing.

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    Replies
    1. It sounds like a true blessing to be able to sing all the patriotic songs and simply feel proud to be an American. Like you, I'm so sick and tired of the divisiveness in our great nation. Praying for God's healing of our country.
      Love and blessings!

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