It's July 4th. Independence Day. A day to celebrate freedom. For Americans, freedom from tyranny. Freedom to live as we choose. Freedom to say what we think. For Christians, freedom from sin and its penalty. Freedom found only in Jesus Christ. As we celebrate our freedom today, here are some words to consider . . .
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! - Patrick Henry
The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: that it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity. - John Quincy Adams
Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers. - John Jay, 1st Chief Justice of Supreme Court. One of the three men most responsible for the Constitution
The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion in the world that deals with the heart. - Thomas Jefferson
We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people . . . it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. - John Adams
Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever. - Thomas Jefferson, inside the Jefferson Memorial
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Is the Hokey Pokey really what it's all about? Or is there something more? Difficult life circumstances help us to cast off the distractions and see what is really important. This blog is an attempt to share what I'm learning about life as a 45-year old pastor and teacher in a battle with Ewing's sarcoma.
My Wife and I
So Happy Together
Note to Readers
Thank you for taking time to visit this blog! My purpose in doing this is to be an encouragement to others who are facing difficult circumstances in life and to remind them that there is hope!
For those who are reading this blog for the first time, I recommend going back and starting at the beginning. It is a bit of an inconvenience, but it will all make more sense if you read about where I've been before you read about where I am now.
I do not feel the need to post every day, but have the goal of three to four posts per week. Most of my entries relate to what I am learning in my daily Bible reading - that is where I find my wisdom, comfort, and my strength. Some of my entries might be described as "much ado about nothing." Sometimes I preach, but try to do so minimally, and only when prompted by the Holy Spirit.
The settings have been adjusted so that all readers, not just those with Google accounts, can leave comments. Please feel free to do so. If you desire a response, please leave your e-mail address. It does not appear automatically. I look forward to hearing from you.
For those who are reading this blog for the first time, I recommend going back and starting at the beginning. It is a bit of an inconvenience, but it will all make more sense if you read about where I've been before you read about where I am now.
I do not feel the need to post every day, but have the goal of three to four posts per week. Most of my entries relate to what I am learning in my daily Bible reading - that is where I find my wisdom, comfort, and my strength. Some of my entries might be described as "much ado about nothing." Sometimes I preach, but try to do so minimally, and only when prompted by the Holy Spirit.
The settings have been adjusted so that all readers, not just those with Google accounts, can leave comments. Please feel free to do so. If you desire a response, please leave your e-mail address. It does not appear automatically. I look forward to hearing from you.
Recommended Links
Blog Archive
-
▼
2008
(262)
-
▼
July
(29)
- An Example of Prayer
- Joy, Thanksgiving, and Our Need for One Another
- A Night in the ER, A Long Drive Home, and A Concer...
- That I May Encourage Others Also
- Merry Christmas (in July)!
- Apartness and Togetherness
- Imitation
- True Community
- Defined by Christ
- Truth Matters. And People Do Too!
- Lifestyles of the Messengers of God
- A Friday Morning Leap and The Power of the Gospel
- A Changed Life Influences Others
- Joy and Affliction
- Faith, Love, and Hope
- Monday Morning Thoughts
- God Has Invited Me
- He Is Always Near
- I Choose to Follow You
- This Day Belongs to Him
- Chemo Eve, A Safari Hunt, and Another Quote
- A Phone Call and Fuel for the Flame of God
- The Benefits of Troubles
- This and That
- First Priority
- Freedom
- Habakkuk's Faith
- We Have Everything We Need to Live for Him
- Letting Go, Part Two
-
▼
July
(29)
About Me
- jmichael
- Until the end of September 2008, I taught science, geography, and senior social studies at a small Christian school in Pennsylvania. In addition, I served as an assistant pastor at the church which sponsors the school. I have been married to my best friend for 21 years; we have three children, ages 18, 14, and 5.
2 comments:
Oh, I lvoe your post today. We were just discussing as a family at our church fundaising smorgasbord on the Fourth of July about the early founders being Masons, how this group connected them to trade after our break from England and the strong faith that united their ideas for this new land called USA. Thank you for searching out wonderful quotes.
Clare A.
PS. I figured out how to post under my yahoo acount instead of my daughter's.
I've never been so inspired by anything in my life. I have been far away from my family from some time now and I'm wishing I could better know the importance of Family Blessings from you. I will continue reading your blog.
Post a Comment