Hope you're having a Happy Independence Day!

 

I Am Grateful

I am grateful.

I am grateful for extraordinary freedom.

I am grateful for tremendous opportunity.

My beloved American friends, we live in a wonderful country.

Someone reminded me recently that America has flaws and imperfections.

I agreed.

Of course it does, because it is comprised of people and people have always been and will always be flawed. (I did not tell the person who reminded me about America’s flaws and imperfections that he and I were part of the reason for the flaws and imperfections… that would have been rude and my mom always told me not to be rude.)

It is helpful to remember that many, many people from all over the world continue to go to great lengths—and this includes facing considerable danger—just to get here and attempt to experience life in this remarkable place.

Yep, I am grateful. I hope you are grateful, too!

Happy Independence Day!

Having A Spirit Which Prizes Liberty

“Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.” Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln believed there is a “spirit which prizes liberty” and, based on the quote above, he apparently understood that this spirit isn’t automatic.  It is something which must be intentionally preserved.

Long before I was ever born there were courageous people in this country who possessed this spirit which prizes liberty.  They spoke of liberty, wrote about it and argued eloquently for it.  Some of these folks even fought and sacrificed for it… and, thankfully, they continue to do so.

Liberty is a form of self-determination and freedom that carries with it responsibility.  I pray we will continue to accept that responsibility.  I pray we will make an effort to preserve the spirit which prizes liberty (and I include myself in that prayer).

Liberty is a big deal.  And I suspect it is possible for people not to appreciate how wonderful it is until they no longer have it. My heart is grateful for the liberty that has been an incredible part of my life experience in this remarkable country.  I hope yours is, too.

And I hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day!  God bless America.

E-Flash From Dan, July 4, 2013

Dear E-Flash Friends;

I was just reading a portion of the “Declaration of Independence” (yeah, I know, I’m a guy who really likes to live it up!) and I was reminded again of the courage, intelligence, faith and resolve of our country’s founding fathers. 

One of the lines in the document that caught my attention refers to the fact that the signers of the Declaration were appealing “to the Supreme Judge of the world” on behalf of their cause.  They understood and they acknowledged a higher authority than the powerful “British Crown” or, for that matter, any earthly ruler.  I believe that is an indication of their wisdom.

What they did is noble and inspiring and we have benefitted greatly from the country that they founded.  I realize that these men weren’t perfect and that our country is not without its flaws.  But I am still impressed by what they did and I am, still, deeply, deeply grateful to live in a place with the kind of extraordinary freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy.

My hope and prayer is that your 4^th of July is happy, safe and enjoyable.   As we celebrate the independence of our country I am also hoping that we are acknowledging this Higher Authority to whom our country’s founders appealed.  He has blessed me far beyond what I deserve and I’m trusting that you recognize and appreciate His many blessings in your life, too!

Happy Independence Day!

May God bless the U.S.A.

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  We will be having great services this Sunday.  The worship team is planning wonderful music and Chris is bringing a message on the work of the Holy Spirit that will inspire and encourage you!  You won’t want to miss it.

P.P.S.  If you have a minute and a half (come on, that’s only 90 seconds) I invite you to listen to a new episode of the “A Minute And A Half of God Stuff” podcast for 7/4/13.

Click on this link…  http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=2013070407073257FC40