Paul Revere and the 21st Century

I am angry. My heart pounds, my fists shake, and I sputter and cough out objections and exclamations. Why am I here, and not there? I ought to be running through the streets of Washington with my panting horse, crying “Congress is coming! Congress is coming!” for our foe is on their way, and will one day be parading into our homes. How can I help but be excited? Apathy only stirs me up, and were that this battle one beyond words and documents, and I a ready soldier, I would gladly take up arms to defend liberty.

My youthful frustration tells me there is nothing I can do and that it's out of my hands. My head tells me to go make some phone calls; write some letters. My heart tells me to rely on a sovereign God, and trust Him for the outcome. Which call is hardest to live out?

“What a historic time for our nation...” “What an honor for you, Mr. Speaker, in such a time...” “Today we will make history...” The Democrats are speaking on the floor. History? As the nation that once was founded on God-given rights and freedoms, and then abused and usurped those same freedoms in one big, record-breaking sweep?

I am an American girl of the past. My patriotic pride is based on those men who fought in the name of the Lord to protect the innocent, guard their families, and preserve the way of liberty for their future generations. When I place my hand over my heart, I gaze at the stripes on the flag; remembering not the personal and pure sacrifice of so many politicians today, but of the blood shed by men not so long ago during the forming of our nation. Will I and my family have the courage to show such sacrifice and dedication when the time comes?

This post may mean nothing to you. Maybe you found my blog through a random Google search, or happened to click a link from another blog. Maybe you don't care about the life and ramblings of a simple girl in Nebraska. But I ask you this: how much do you care about your freedom? Are you willing to pay fines, heavy taxes and penalties, and even spend time in jail if you refuse to purchase something you don't want? And even more importantly, how ardently will you oppose Satan's forces in our society, and proclaim the cross of Christ?

Sometimes my anger over injustice, and my eagerness to be a part of the action gets the best of me... and causes me to despair over my lack of control and influence. Tonight would be the opportune moment to let loose, as our Representatives vote on H.R. 3962, “Health Care for All of America”. Yes, we've written letters, we've called our Congressman, we've met with staff members and shared our concern over this very hot bill. Tonight we will pray. And then we will sleep, trusting our passions, concerns, anger, frustrations, and fears to Someone completely in control, and unconcerned.

Will you sleep tonight?

About Patriot Undeserving

American girl...

When I started my original blog “Jennifer's Musings” in 2004, my intentions were to strengthen my writing skills and share some silly ideas with various friends. What took me by surprise was the response I received from complete strangers who read, commented, encouraged, as well as criticized my writings. I was motivated by both the encouragement and opposition, and quickly found myself growing more familiar with the Christian Teen Blogosphere, with much admiration for the cause of the Rebelution. Since then I have continued to grow in controversial blogging with a vision to be a part of the rebellion against feminism, secularism and more sins growing rampant in our culture.

Currently I am a stay-at-home daughter residing in the red state of Nebraska with my family of 9. Home schooled all my life, I graduated in 2008 and have not pursued college as many would expect. This is yet another controversial subject which I am not afraid to touch on as I instead pursue various dreams and ministries; including teaching dance, working with a Political Action Committee, taking part in Church ministries and continuing to study at home.

Saved by Grace...

If I were to write on this blog, and publish posts under my name with no mention of Jesus Christ, I would be claiming praise and recognition stolen from the one who created it. I live and breath each day solely because my Lord is a gracious God, and all I do is because of His amazing mercy, even down to each post on this blog. My writings, I pray, reflect a biblical outlook on culture as I seek to bring to light the reason for living and searching for reform.

I am completely undeserving of God's special grace towards me for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). I am fallen and helpless, and so it is only through His power that my errant writings may be of any worth. It is my prayer that the verses below would come to light in my readers' lives;

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

-Ephes. 2:4-10

As I seek to seek to pursue excellence in my writing I pray that you, my reader, would be enlightened and edified not by my works but by the power of the gospel transforming my feeble words.

Undeserving of Freedom...

Many conservatives today are becoming increasingly pessimistic and bitter about the secular turn our nation has taken since the days of our founding fathers. There is no doubt that the liberals have wreaked havoc upon our constitution and biblical foundations, but this is in no way a call to abandon our nation. If our government and society can be called away by the devil in a mere 200 years, how much quicker can it be claimed by the Almighty God?

I have much hope for America not only for the many freedoms we have the spiritual weapons to reclaim, but also for the many blessings we continue to enjoy. Having been spoiled by our liberty and wealth, we forget nations bloodstained by mass killings of Christians who must run from their lives and struggle to care for their families in poverty. We forget the horrendous economic situations, the ongoing civil wars, the poverty and complete government control in nations such as China, India, the Middle East and much of Africa.

We as fallen sinners are completely undeserving of our liberty, privileges and prosperity in a nation such as America. What a sin it is to bewail our easy situations, and even more so of a failure and sin against God to give up this country we have inherited. While I endeavor to be a culture-changer and bring reform to our nation, I am without hesitation thankful to be an American girl living in the United States.

Why a Patriot? I love this country that the Lord has placed me in and have not given up on it. As Noah Webster described it, so I want to be

“A person who loves her country, and zealously supports and defends it and its interests.”

A young patriot from rural Nebraska can do nothing to save a nation. A perfect God willing use his many imperfect children can do it all.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

-Romans 8:18-21

Duty Calls

Our country was founded on the principle of duty, by men who knew their responsibilities, and were willing to risk everything to carry them out. In 1620, fathers and husbands left England with their families in order to escape a controlling government and tyrannical King. It had nothing to do with money or personal gain. More was lost than homes and possessions as the Mayflower carried 100 pilgrims across the ocean; in the first year at Plymouth half of those that landed had died, and many were sick and weak.

The men on the Mayflower must have had a pretty good reason, and strong resolve to leave their homes and all they had known to find themselves blown off course, until they landed at Plymouth Rock. With lives lost and those landed sick and weary, and without a home, one is caused to wonder how these pilgrims could fall on their knees in thanks to the Creator of all. What was it that drove the men to abandon their homes, and find themselves starting all over again with very little provision or possessions? Certainly leaving one's homeland was the last measure taken in the pursuit of freedom.

The encroachment upon civil liberty and freedom of religion was the reason for coming to the Americas, and the duty to lead their families in truth gave them courage to take action. Imagine the hardship of taming a wild and untamed land, the loneliness of family who died or were left behind, the struggle to start life all over again with nothing. Ease and security were abandoned at the call to duty, and so began the colonies in the Americas.

A Revolution

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another...” The control of King George extended beyond the seas, restraining the people from the passing of laws, the populating of the land, and also by cutting off trade, imposing taxes, and quartering troops in the Americas in times of peace. He had “plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.”

Was it a desire for power and money that caused the forefathers to proclaim freedom from England, and establish a government? Francis Lewis lost his wife when the British captured her, and she died of sickness not long after being released. Many of the signers, even prior to declaring independence, found themselves living in poverty as they were robbed and their homes destroyed.

A lesser man would have surrendered. Many in our day do; under the pressure to conform to secular political ideas and philosophies. A man's life today does not even have to be threatened for him to collapse under the pressure of a seemingly much larger and stronger foe. But fortunately for those who now call themselves citizens of the United States, the founders stood strong in the face of death and persecution, to fulfill a duty harder than any of us will ever know in our lifetime.

Passion and patriotism were in full display as the founders debated, discussed, and finally came to a mutual decision to declare independence from England. Clergyman spoke on the matters of politics without reservation in the pulpit. Reverend Peter Muhlenberg, in January of 1776, displayed without a doubt that Christians have a duty to fight for freedom; in our Churches, our capitols, and in our battlefields, as he took off his robe one Sunday to display the continental uniform underneath declaring “Now is the time to fight!”. Patrick Henry held nothing back in his address in 1775 when he said “Give me liberty, or give me death!”. They are words that hold more passion in that day than we can understand.

The war we fight

It is 2008. A mere 232 years has passed since the momentous decision was made to declare freedom from foreign countries, and establish a government based on biblical principles. The duty to protect their families and preserve a Christian heritage for their children was clear; the call without question. Today, Christians in America are lacking the conviction and resolve shown in the 1770's. Those who stand against us seem many, and are determined to ruin us and take away our freedoms.

Is our duty too fight and strive for truth in government any less than of those who went before us? Are we in any way less bound to preserve liberty for our future generations, to insure their safety and freedom? That we should have to raise such a question is dishonoring to the sacrifice of the men who gave their lives that we also might fight for the Cross. That we would neglect our calling to pave the way for our children to grow in holiness is a misuse of our God-given rights, and a curse upon our heads.

Friends, we live in fallen world. Freedom is never free. Evil will always wage war against truth. Getting a politician elected to office is hard; taking a stand amongst the jeers and the pressure is humbling, and proclaiming the Word in every area of our lives will arouse the hatred of Satan. Just as a life without proclaiming the word of God is not Christianity, so a freedom without speaking our rights is not free.

Two hundred and thirty two years ago this day, on July 4^th, 1776, a group of ordinary fathers with an extraordinary duty lived out their call to lead in truth. Much was lost, and yet the gain that we enjoy many generations later is a testimony to the providence of God and the wisdom and foresight our founding fathers had as they led their families to do something so hard, and yet so necessary to the preservation and growth of Christianity. May we do no less today, but instead take up the baton passed down to us, and stand even taller upon the shoulders of those who have gone before us, and never fail to give God all the glory.

Happy Independence Day

Why should God bless America?

At the Values Voter debate on September 17th, the Church of God choir from Ohio sang this excellent remake of the song "God bless America". We truly are a fallen nation deserving of God's judgment instead of blessings...



Link:

Right Wing Watch

Rebelutionary moms

Perusing recently through the insightful articles in the Practical Homeschooling magazine, I came upon an article written by a homeschooling military mom. HsKubes' is married to a Marine currently deployed to Iraq and posts insightful and encouraging updates on their schooling and learning as a family at home. It is especially inspiring for those of us who don’t have family members deployed with the military to watch this mother surrender the future to the Lord and continue in furthering His kingdom, despite the difficulties found in everyday life.

Recently HsKubes' posted a homeschooling giveaway pack that will be bestowed upon a homeschooling blogger on September 8^th. I would encourage you to check out her blog and take a peek into the courageous and amazing life of a family who knows not only what it takes to be learners and seekers, but sacrificial patriots as well.

Nuetrality: never a good thing

"The State cannot be neutral toward all religions because all religious views or philosophies necessarily entail moral systems, and conflict with those of other religious systems. If the State were truly "neutral," it would enact no laws, for each law would penalize someone's religion or religious view or religious practice. Anarchy would reign."

- Gary DeMar, "God and Government, Volume 3"

The call from liberals not to make any religious preference in our nation in any way is outrageous, ridiculous, and unrealistic. Call it discrimination, but I will continue to pray and work for the overrule of pagan religions, and the continual rise of Christianity in this God's nation.

Victory tour coming soon!

Just recently I heard of an event the pro-troop organization “Move America Forward” is planning this Fall. Starting September 3^rd the “Fight For Victory” tour will be holding more than two dozen rallies across the States, ending with a rally on September 15^th; the day General David Petraeus will give his report to Congress on Iraq.

Similar to Micah Derry’s “Operation Completion” rallies, the event was created for the intent of rousing patriotism and bringing supporters together to display our support of the mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. The rallies will begin their route across the States in California and end in Washington D.C. I think these types of events is just what some apathetic American citizens need in order to get excited, involved, and encouraged to come together in mutual support of our troops who have given so much.

The event will be led by veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as well as families of deceased or deployed service members. Thousands of Americans already have signed up to take part in the rallies, and I’m excited to see where this massive patriotic effort will lead.

Support the effort...

Blessed is the nation...

Why I continue to be astonished at the weak, fallen acts of our leaders in Senate I don’t know. Despite the clear and such detailed foundations laid for us by our founding fathers, many leaders of our nation today obviously have no respect for or faith in the values and wishes of those who enabled us to live freely.

On Thursday, July 12^th a senate hearing was opened for the first time with a Hindu prayer, which, thankfully, was not acceptable to all who attended. Three people were outraged by the act of “peace” in promoting other religions, and prayed out loud while the Hindu prayer was being said, praying "Lord Jesus forgive us Father for allowing a prayer which is an abomination in your sight. You are the one, true living God".

The three people who, in my opinion, were also exercising their own religious rights, were handcuffed and arrested on charges of unlawful disruption of Congress. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said “I think it speaks well of our country that someone representing the faith of about a billion people comes here and can speak in communication with our heavenly Father regarding peace”. (Emphasis mine.)

Doubtless the question of what our nation was in the beginning and what we are causing it to become now is to be considered; a lot has changed and it cannot be overlooked when such dramatic changes take place in our Senate. And while some people see this move as one that will unite citizens of this religiously free country, many others will see it as a direct rebellious act against our leaders, fathers and ultimately against the one true God.

So here’s the question: what would you have done had you been present when the prayer was being read?

Born to Serve

While waiting to fly out of a tiny little airport in Montgomery, Alabama last week I met a young military wife who, after we discussed military, politics, and religion proceeded to ask me why I was so patriotic? I wasn’t able to give a very good answer having never really considered the question myself. Why have I always had such a passion to serve our troops and their families? Until recently I never had a relative or even a friend in the service, and didn’t even meet a soldier until 2004. My family never really stressed patriotism and I was never a member or part of patriotic organization or activity. So, really, how does one become “patriotic”?

When I was younger I always marveled at the wars in history; at the men who fought it, the people who endured it, and the messages of unity and support it evoked on the home front. I was greatly inspired by the things that I read and heard as a child, and in comparing Americans in history to those in the present I felt that true pride and patriotism had rather become a thing of the past.

I loved the openness and tremendous active support I saw in those on the home front during World War 2, when the outrage and sense of justice towards the attack at Pearl Harbor overshadowed any doubts or thoughts of “peace”. There truly was unity in the hearts of the people as all America first felt pain, then a sense of duty, and then a certain measure of determination towards a cause that no one questioned; however great the sacrifices. I felt such a pain for and longing to comfort the degraded and discouraged men coming home from the Vietnam War, as young men came back from battle to face a dramatic change in American culture; a change that has no doubt greatly affected the resolve and vision of a once very determined, passionate nation.

So I have been greatly inspired as I learn about the true founders, leaders and protectors of America, and in this way I believe I have gained a clear vision of what patriotism really is (in a nutshell); sacrifice. I believe the history lessons now being distorted by our public education system have greatly hindered this generation’s ability to truly love and feel a sense of duty toward our nation. I am so blessed to have parents who provided me with an education that opened my eyes to the genuine patriotism displayed by those who have gone before us.

There was also a time in my childhood when I was convinced military service was for me. The camaraderie, honor and vision I observed in service members really left an impression on me, and for a time I so very badly wanted to be a part of it (I was so mad to find that the WACS and WAVES had been discontinued!). In reading books and observing the selfless lives of soldiers, I really came to admire their sacrifice and hard work (that often goes unnoticed, though they continue to work without complaint). What I felt had been lost on the average American I found in the lives of patriotic service members and their families. No one knows the meaning of patriotism more clearly than they do.

So I do really have to accredit my education in providing the grounds for my vision of being “patriotic” and supportive of the things I consider in the right for our nation. I also believe that I would not be so passionate about certain things in our country if it were not for the horrendous evils and fallacies being spread across this land. Daily our Christian heritage is mocked by the sickening acts of abortion, the misled homosexual marriages, not to mention the weak ideas of “peace” while terrorists plot ways to obliterate the “Christian” nation. It would be too easy to be a patriot in name only if one did not have working enemies; something to fight against. But here we are, provided with every opportunity to be a patriot and stand fast to the truths we claim to uphold. How can we call ourselves good Americans if we do not lift the sword and battle to protect our nation?

There are plenty of “patriotic” people in the United States. But the numbers of those who are willing to live out their patriotism in sacrifice and service are painfully low. You can find the majority of those people in uniform, daily living a legacy so often overlooked. May God have mercy on those of us allow Satan to take control in our nation! May He give strength, wisdom, and perseverance to those who only by His grace and power wield the sword in faith.

Why only men should fight wars

Some say we should leave Iraq; pull out our troops and turn our backs. Here are my reasons why pulling out would make a cowardly, foolish figure of the greatest nation on earth…

A man:

Does not abandon those in need

And never has the U.S. denied help to a country overrun by evil, especially when that evil has spilled over into our land and taken such drastic measures to defeat us. Our motives and reasons for moving into Iraq may be questioned, beaten, and denounced, but our aide of a groaning and suffering people under a tyrant with a vision to increase power and destroy the “infidels” (i.e. Americans) cannot be scoffed at. Despite the tremendous costs paid on behalf of our security as well, protection of the innocent is never a weak display, and those who make light of it are not worthy of such protectors.

Finishes what he starts

My father did not start a business simply to become discouraged and abandon it when clients did not pour in immediately… instead, several years later we are slowly picking up business to be gained over the years- a benefit we would not have seen had we lost patience in a naturally slow process. The same applies for any investment made; time must be given, patience must be applied, and diligence must be practiced daily.

A businessman cannot afford to spend his hours moaning over the things not happening; but instead must actively work to make sure that they do. To make a plan, do the research, purchase supplies and employ help, win hearts, toil to set a foundation and begin building upon it requires hours of planning and work, and this is just the beginning. For any man to start such a foundation only to abandon it when he got tired would mean the ruin of his house, and the waste of his hours of work. Not only will we let down the men who actually perform this all, but we will completely and utterly pull away the foundation set by years of hard work and sacrifice should we pull out from Iraq.

Does not accept defeat

Any investment or new project taken on is going to come with difficulties and stumbling blocks, and this is ever so true with war. Throughout the history of the world, war has always been very painful, very hard, and sometimes very long. Any strong man venturing out to tackle something new is aware of the hardships that are bound to ensue, and strengthens his will to withstand them when the time comes.

However, a man who hangs his head and accepts defeat at the first sign of mockery or failure simply paints a picture of shameful weakness and poor planning. Life comes with it’s hardships at every bend and turn, and if we were all to take to heart the counsel given by anti-war protesters, not one of us would ever succeed at those things great or good.

Does not listen to the council of his enemies

This world is filled with people who would love nothing more than to discourage us from our visions and cause us to fail in life. To not recognize the distorted lies that are meant for our ruin and allow them to counsel and impact us would reflect a weak and uncertain character that leads to nowhere. Despite those people, even in our own nation, who sympathize with our enemies and speak their lies, we must stand strong and show that we indeed are a people who can think and stand for themselves. To pull out of Iraq would be to accept the council of bloodthirsty terrorists and to shame our soldiers and our nation, thus furthering our enemy’s hold over us and strengthening their will.

I pray with honest fervor that my nation would not so shame itself in this way, for I long and hope to always present myself as a proud citizen of a strong and honest nation called America.

As I pray for this nation

A prayer of thanksgiving

Dear Jesus, as we delight in the freshness and beauty of Spring, we also delight in Your hand over every thing that happens in this nation. I pray that as the flowers grow and bloom, and everything comes to life again, that we Christians of America would grow to be a beautiful image of You in our nation. May we not become dry or dull, but allow the storms and rain that pass through to help us to grow and change as we should. Help us even in the dry times to remain strong and bright, and not to abandon those around us in hard times.

Lord I thank you for awesome grace that you show toward our nation. To render us our due would mean to wipe us out, and yet you have blessed us with many comforts and luxuries. I thank you for the safety of our homes, the abundance of our food, and the provision from our jobs. I thank You also for the things that we lack; for the strength we have not exercised, the resolve that has weakened, the conviction that has not gripped us. I pray that in our weaknesses and imperfection, we would struggle, learn, and grow as a nation.

I thank you Lord for President Bush. Despite our criticism of his religious or conservative weaknesses, I know that America could have easily met a worse fate with another Presidential candidate, and we praise You for what strengths he does have in You. Thank you for the conservative leaders in our country today; those who are in office and those who are running; for their endeavors to take a strong stand against the lies and evils in congress today. I pray that You would grant them success and strength in the years ahead.

I thank you for our hard working troops and the excellent performance they show in the field. We confess that our military is not perfect, and yet we thank You for keeping them strong and pray that You would guide our deployed troops; comfort them, strengthen them, and draw them close to You.

Dear God, you have blessed this nation abundantly and yet we find so much fault at every bend and turn. May we yet recognize You for the blessings we do have, and continue to pray for the strengths that we lack.

This I pray in the name of the one true God, our King and Savior Jesus Christ

That senseless war

Not too long ago my sister and I were managing our fitness center when two elderly people came in to exercise that morning. I was sitting quietly to the side focusing on my book when all of the sudden the war in Iraq came up in their discussion and completely broke my concentration for the rest of the morning. I will call them Chuck and Jane, and this is how their discussion went;

Chuck: All those religious people over there are just fighting each other!

Jane: And all those boys coming back from the war…isn’t it a shame that our soldiers are over there, when we haven’t made any progress! All those countries are fighting each other and we’re getting messed up in it. Cheney and Rumsfeld are just using their power and don’t know what they’re doing.

Chuck: I know- all those politicians are just lawyers who don’t know anything about war. It’s a waste; just like Vietnam and Korea.

Jane: They need to go over there and see what it’s like before they go to war. Terrible.

Chuck: Shame.

We already knew that Jane held pretty strong liberal views and that I would only create an enemy if I were to speak out. So I sat in the background, several emotions stirring in me, and yet keeping my peace. Eventually they left and I let out the torrent on the ears of my sister, but still feeling a mix of anger, sadness, and a pressing need to make a difference in the minds of similar Americans today.

They say they support the troops… they pretend to know the meaning of justice and liberty… they even show up wearing a T-shirt saying “freedom isn’t free”, and I want to yell out that they are missing the whole point. Freedom means we fight; not sit around making peace signs as Islamic extremists obliterate our homes. Justice means we strike; not let convicted murderers and terrorists go free to do more evil. Liberty means we hold fast to the truth, and not let madmen govern our lives, our opinions, or actions.

We must not sit passively to the side, railing against the actions of our leaders, and yet taking no actions ourselves. We must stand up and fight boldly for the truth; for when the truth is taken from this country, it will fall.

Though I knew it wasn’t the right place at the right time to impact the thinking of Chuck and Jane, I must be ready and willing to stand up for our troops and Iraq when they are questioned. May God give me strength, and America ears.

Let freedom ring

As I pray for this nation

A prayer of repentance

Dear Lord Jesus, God of the Universe, King over all that live, to You I offer this prayer for my nation. Nation can seem such a big word, and yet in light of Your rule, which extends to the ends of the earth and beyond, we are nothing. Our country is one of great leadership, influence and power in this world, and yet we are nothing in the midst of your glory and light. To many men we are rich, powerful, and prosperous. Truly, when standing in Your sight, we are nothing but weak sinners… corrupted, evil, dirty and humbled, we have no grounds upon which to stand in proclaiming ourselves worthy of life.

I confess for my nation, Lord, that we have failed time and time again. Every second of every hour we are sinning; without shame we are dishonoring Your name and felling those around us. We are sinners; readily following those around us who curse Your name. We are weak, shamed by our practices of faith which others scorn, and we give up the walk to be popular among men. We are proud, unable to smell the stench of our own filth or see the grime of our sinfulness, and we refuse to be of aid to our brothers in need. We are scoffers, rebukers, blasphemers and evil doers in this land You have given us.

Forgive us for our blindness, our arrogance, and our susceptibility to the lies and prejudices of those around us who daily cause us to fall. We confess to You the weakness of our leaders and fellow citizens in standing strong in the faith, and pray for Your forgiveness as we seek to glorify you in our homes. We repent of our inability to boldly preach Your word and reach those who are lost around us.

Lord, our mistakes are so many. Our falls are so great. And yet we thank You for the magnificent grace you have shown this fallen nation in granting us our lives, our prosperity, peace and comfort. We deserve less than we can bring ourselves to say, and we are awed in Your great pardon of our many sins. We thank You for raining Your blessings upon this Your undeserving people and pray with all our hearts that we would have the strength, the resolution, and the conviction to stand up to the evils in this world and give you all the praise and glory for all that is good and right.

This we pray in the name of the one true God, our King and Savior Jesus Christ

First Prayer In Congress

"Lord our Heavenly Father, High and Mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech thee, on these our American States, who have fled to thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent on Thee, to Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give; take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle! Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst Thy people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. all this we ask In the Name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior. Amen."

The First Prayer offered in Congress

September 7th, 1774 by Jacob Duche in Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia

What a prayer to have offered in a Congress in which the majority now scorns the idea of dedicating our nation's work to a higher power! What powerful words to tear down the false opinion that our nation was not founded on Christian morals, by Christian men. Oh, to have such Godly men in Congress today! May we seek to set the men who went before us as examples in our governing today.

9/11: God is still in control

God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; the Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for his enemies; the Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.

The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. The mountains quake before Him, the hills melt, and the earth heaves at His presence, yes, the world and all who dwell in it.

Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him. But with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, and darkness will pursue His enemies.

What do you conspire against the Lord? He will make an utter end of it. Affliction will not rise up a second time. For while tangled like thorns, and while drunken like drunkards, they shall be devoured like stubble fully dried. From you comes forth one who plots evil against the Lord, a wicked counselor.

Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your appointed feasts, perform your vows. For the wicked one shall no more pass through you; he is utterly cut off.

Nahum 1:2-11, 15

On this day we remember the evil deeds that claimed the lives of 3,000 Americans. We remember the bloodthirsty, angry, evil men who were enemies of Christians, and thus enemies of God. But they will not escape God’s judgment, nor His wrath; the day is coming when the men of Islam who live for death will fall before the face of God, and tremble in His presence.

May America not be silent, but praise the God who alone can deliver us from evil.

(Be sure to check out my article "9/11: Seared on my soul" in the latest issue at Regenerate our Culture)

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