Understanding our Roots

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It with your friends

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”  – Galatians 5:13

On this the eve before our 236^th celebration of America’s Independence from Great Britain, I can think of no better words than the words of George Washington.  These words were spoken from the steps of the Federal Treasury building on April 30, 1789 in his Inaugural Address to Congress and the citizens of the United States of America as their first President.  He followed this action by leading a procession from the Federal building to the St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City, and once there led the nation in consecrating this great land to serve God Almighty.  From the beginning of our existence as a nation, we have been a nation built on the principals of our Heavenly Father.  St Pauls Chapel still stands to this very day, having survived several fires and the catrastrophic actions on 9-11-2001.  I view this small chapel as a symbol of God’s Blessing on this nation, when we are willing to humble ourselves and serve Him.

“…Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. And in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their United Government, the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities, from which the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by which most Governments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me I trust in thinking, that there are none under the influence of which, the proceedings of a new and free Government can more auspiciously commence.”  - G. Washington, 1789

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Let your blessings continue to reign on the citizens of the United States of America.  We ask that you show us mercy in our weakness and provide us guidance in our prideful ways that we might humble ourselves and serve in the manner demonstrated by our Savior and Lord – Jesus Christ.  Help us to take a strong stand for righteousness and justice in this world, and to stand for Your Kingdom as our fore-fathers have done before us.  Let us learn from generations gone by the wonder and sovereignty of your ways, that we might be held closely to your bosom once again.  We long for your presence in our land – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://www.10minutereader.com