A Pastor with GUTS!
This is absolutely great ! ! !
Thought you might enjoy this interesting
prayer given in Kansas at
the opening session of their Senate. It seems
prayer still upsets some
people.. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open
the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is
what they heard:
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask
your forgiveness and to seek your direction and
guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those
who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we
have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed
our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it
the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it
welfare..
We have killed our unborn and called it
choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it
justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our
children and called it building self esteem.....
We have abused power and called it
politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions
and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and
pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values
of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts
today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free..
Amen!
The response was immediate. A number of
legislators walked out during the prayer in
protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian
Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than
5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls
responding negatively. The church is now receiving
international requests for copies of this prayer
from India , Africa and Korea .
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on
his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,'and
received a larger response to this program than any
other he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep
over our nation and wholeheartedly become our
desire so that we again can be called 'one nation
under God.'
If you don't stand for something,
you will fall for everything.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Laus Deo - What is really written on top of the Washington Momument ?
Laus Deo
On the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC are two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact ..... most visitors to the monument have no idea they are even there and ... for that matter ... probably could care less!
But there they are ... 555 feet, 5.125 inches high ... perched atop the monument to the father of our nation ... overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia ... capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words ... out of sight and, one might think, out of mind ..... but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the world.
And what might those two words ... composed of just four syllables and only seven letters ... mean? Very simply ..... "Praise be to God!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848 when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public.
It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with the tribute Laus Deo! Praise be to God!
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure ... a visitor can take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. And from that vantage point one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant ... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape ..... with the White House to the North ... the Jefferson Memorial to the South ... the Capitol to the East ... and the Lincoln Memorial to the West. A cross ... you say?
How interesting! And ... no doubt ... intended to carry a meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God!
Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ... "one nation, under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well now is your opportunity ... read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo!
It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. And ... when one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol ... one will easily find the signature of God.
We are a nation under God!!! Laus Deo!!! Praise be to God!!! "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (Psalm 127: 1)
The Separation of Church and State concept is basic to our Country's founding. It simply means that the government shall never make any religion a National religion. It never was intended to prevent the utterance of the name of God at political functions and in the daily course of our undertakings. Liberals and extremist who think differently have no foundation in history for their position. ---- IN GOD WE TRUST
Prior to delivery of the capstone in Washington, it was placed on exhibit at Tiffany's in New York City where it was placed on the floor and persons could have the dubious prestige of "jumping over the top of the Washington Monument." Engraved on the four sides of the capstone was the official record of the construction of the monument.
The west face read: "Corner Stone laid on bed of foundation, July 4, 1848. First stone at height of 152 feet laid August 7, 1880. Capstone set December 6, 1884"; and the east face read "LAUS DEO." The north and south faces contained names of the commission and the key men in the work of completion. Although weatherbeaten, the inscription is still visible.
The laying of the capstone was appropriately celebrated. At the top of the monument, a special scaffolding had been constructed where the principals involved with the construction of the monument could stand. As thousands of eyes were trained upward toward the pinnacle, a 60-mile—per—hour wind was blowing, and the footing was dangerous. According to S. H. Nealy's sketch of the ceremony, P. H. McLaughlin, project superintendent, placed the tip on the pyramidion as the rigger, James Hogan, released an American flag to signify the completion to the cheers of the crowd below and the booming of cannon brought from Fort Myer, Va., especially for the occasion. Also on the top platform were Bernard R. Green, civil engineer, Capt. G. W. Davis, assistant project engineer, Colonel Thomas Lincoln Casey, Chief project engineer, and Lewis O'Brien, foreman.
On the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC are two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact ..... most visitors to the monument have no idea they are even there and ... for that matter ... probably could care less!
But there they are ... 555 feet, 5.125 inches high ... perched atop the monument to the father of our nation ... overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia ... capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words ... out of sight and, one might think, out of mind ..... but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the world.
And what might those two words ... composed of just four syllables and only seven letters ... mean? Very simply ..... "Praise be to God!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848 when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public.
It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with the tribute Laus Deo! Praise be to God!
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure ... a visitor can take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. And from that vantage point one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant ... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape ..... with the White House to the North ... the Jefferson Memorial to the South ... the Capitol to the East ... and the Lincoln Memorial to the West. A cross ... you say?
How interesting! And ... no doubt ... intended to carry a meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God!
Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ... "one nation, under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well now is your opportunity ... read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo!
It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. And ... when one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol ... one will easily find the signature of God.
We are a nation under God!!! Laus Deo!!! Praise be to God!!! "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (Psalm 127: 1)
The Separation of Church and State concept is basic to our Country's founding. It simply means that the government shall never make any religion a National religion. It never was intended to prevent the utterance of the name of God at political functions and in the daily course of our undertakings. Liberals and extremist who think differently have no foundation in history for their position. ---- IN GOD WE TRUST
Prior to delivery of the capstone in Washington, it was placed on exhibit at Tiffany's in New York City where it was placed on the floor and persons could have the dubious prestige of "jumping over the top of the Washington Monument." Engraved on the four sides of the capstone was the official record of the construction of the monument.
The west face read: "Corner Stone laid on bed of foundation, July 4, 1848. First stone at height of 152 feet laid August 7, 1880. Capstone set December 6, 1884"; and the east face read "LAUS DEO." The north and south faces contained names of the commission and the key men in the work of completion. Although weatherbeaten, the inscription is still visible.
The laying of the capstone was appropriately celebrated. At the top of the monument, a special scaffolding had been constructed where the principals involved with the construction of the monument could stand. As thousands of eyes were trained upward toward the pinnacle, a 60-mile—per—hour wind was blowing, and the footing was dangerous. According to S. H. Nealy's sketch of the ceremony, P. H. McLaughlin, project superintendent, placed the tip on the pyramidion as the rigger, James Hogan, released an American flag to signify the completion to the cheers of the crowd below and the booming of cannon brought from Fort Myer, Va., especially for the occasion. Also on the top platform were Bernard R. Green, civil engineer, Capt. G. W. Davis, assistant project engineer, Colonel Thomas Lincoln Casey, Chief project engineer, and Lewis O'Brien, foreman.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Law Kills, but the Spirit gives Life
The Law Kills, but the Spirit gives Life
The problems of this land and it’s elected officials are varied and many; they range from bribery to extortion, from theft to lying, from adultery to selfishness, from deception to out right ignoring of the voice of the people. The root of government today in this land is no different than at any other time in the last 150 years or even before that. What is it that makes this era of government so extreme from others that have come through this land in our history? I propose that the root problem of those in public office toady is that they have no moral or spiritual compass to guide them, no moral or spiritual mooring to hold them when the storms of pressure to bend to “perceived” popular opinion come up suddenly. Those in the offices of our land are nothing more than hired hands doing the biding of their masters the special interest groups and the unions. They have no interest in anything but what will serve their bottom line and pad their own pockets.
Many times we in America have called for laws to be enacted to curb the immoral tide that is flowing against the national shores of our Godly heritage. This is only a band-aid to cover up the festering sores of the disease of immorality and ungodliness that ooze out of the pores of this once great nation. We need to return to the God that established this nation and set it upon a hill as a light to the nations. This nation was founded with the understanding that we had to govern ourselves as a people if this experiment in righteousness was to succeed and that we could only govern ourselves when we had something greater and stronger than ourselves to hold on to as a compass and an anchor. In the bible the book of first Corinthians chapter 3 verse 6 tells us that “God also has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
In the words of John Adams, “The Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” The problem is not with the Constitution, but it is with the people who are running the government at this time. As grotesque and hideous as many of the evils of this land are today; abortion, gay rights, illegal immigration, ungodly leaders and the list goes on and on we can’t look to the passing of laws (the letter) to serve as the agent of change in this country but we need to make sure that we are in righteous standing with the God of this universe who created us and then we will see clearly to be lead by the Spirit of God so we and those around us will live in harmony with each other by the hand of God because we want to not because we are told to by a government that really cares less for us.
The problems of this land and it’s elected officials are varied and many; they range from bribery to extortion, from theft to lying, from adultery to selfishness, from deception to out right ignoring of the voice of the people. The root of government today in this land is no different than at any other time in the last 150 years or even before that. What is it that makes this era of government so extreme from others that have come through this land in our history? I propose that the root problem of those in public office toady is that they have no moral or spiritual compass to guide them, no moral or spiritual mooring to hold them when the storms of pressure to bend to “perceived” popular opinion come up suddenly. Those in the offices of our land are nothing more than hired hands doing the biding of their masters the special interest groups and the unions. They have no interest in anything but what will serve their bottom line and pad their own pockets.
Many times we in America have called for laws to be enacted to curb the immoral tide that is flowing against the national shores of our Godly heritage. This is only a band-aid to cover up the festering sores of the disease of immorality and ungodliness that ooze out of the pores of this once great nation. We need to return to the God that established this nation and set it upon a hill as a light to the nations. This nation was founded with the understanding that we had to govern ourselves as a people if this experiment in righteousness was to succeed and that we could only govern ourselves when we had something greater and stronger than ourselves to hold on to as a compass and an anchor. In the bible the book of first Corinthians chapter 3 verse 6 tells us that “God also has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
In the words of John Adams, “The Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” The problem is not with the Constitution, but it is with the people who are running the government at this time. As grotesque and hideous as many of the evils of this land are today; abortion, gay rights, illegal immigration, ungodly leaders and the list goes on and on we can’t look to the passing of laws (the letter) to serve as the agent of change in this country but we need to make sure that we are in righteous standing with the God of this universe who created us and then we will see clearly to be lead by the Spirit of God so we and those around us will live in harmony with each other by the hand of God because we want to not because we are told to by a government that really cares less for us.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Prayer in American History (A Snapshot)
Many times in our lives we pray when we go to church or when there is a problem or a situation we need Gods help in. The sad reality is that many of those who call themselves Christians in America don’t make prayer a regular part of their lives when there are no problems or issues to deal with or to call out to God for. It seems that only when our backs are against the wall do we call out to God or even consider him as a last resort and even then we do it grudgingly or out of a sense of duty.
Let’s take a look at the moments in our American history when prayer (& fasting) has been called for and why. Even before we became a nation or a people who settled here for the purpose of freedom in our relationship with God there were those who prayed and fasted just because they wanted to draw nearer to God (The Separatists in England; also known as the Pilgrims, The Huguenots (French protestants), The Reformers (i.e. Martin Luther) and many others.
As we look at the true history of this republic (America) we see the hand of God in all aspects of it. Prayer was as intricate a part of the early settler’s lives as was breathing, so should it be for us today.
April 1607 – At Jamestown one of the first acts of Captain John Smith and his soldiers
was to erect a wooden cross on the shore at Cape Henry. The Rev. Robert
Hunt led 149 men in public prayer, thanking God for their safe journey and
they recommitted themselves to God’s plan and purpose for this New
World.
Nov. 1620 – The Mayflower Compact was signed and sealed by prayer
Nov. 1621 – The First thanksgiving when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gave
thanks to Almighty God and acknowledged their utter dependence upon
Him for their existence.
1653 – The first entry into the city records of New Amsterdam (present day New York) was the Rev. John Megapolensis’ prayer of intercession opening the court “Graciously incline our hearts, that we exercise the power which thou hast given us, to the general good of the community, and to the maintenance of the church, that we may be praised by them that do well, and a terror to evil-doers.”
1680 – During their establishment of New Hampshire as a province, a civil assembly was convened and a solemn public fast was proclaimed, a proclamation that “… their glorious cause (to be)… the glory of God… and spreading the gospel among the heathen”
1736 – Moravians and other persecuted Protestants who, when they touched the shores of
Georgia knelt in thanks to God. They said, “our end in leaving our native country
is not to gain riches and honor, but singly this – to live wholly to the glory of
God.”
Sept. 5, 1774 – The first Continental Congress, on it’s first day met, “The proceedings of the Assembly were introduced by religious observances and devout supplications to the throne of grace, for the inspiration of wisdom and the spirit of good counsels.”
General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson many times during his command of confederate troops was heard to be pleading with God to “Baptize the whole army with His Holy Spirit.”
Abraham Lincoln, on September 22, 1862 issued the Emancipation Proclamation after seeking God for the reason why the South had such great victory in battle, and being impressed upon by God that the nation’s chief sins were slavery and pride, not only did he issue the proclamation but he also called for a national Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer throughout the North on April 30th, 1863.
Let’s take a look at the moments in our American history when prayer (& fasting) has been called for and why. Even before we became a nation or a people who settled here for the purpose of freedom in our relationship with God there were those who prayed and fasted just because they wanted to draw nearer to God (The Separatists in England; also known as the Pilgrims, The Huguenots (French protestants), The Reformers (i.e. Martin Luther) and many others.
As we look at the true history of this republic (America) we see the hand of God in all aspects of it. Prayer was as intricate a part of the early settler’s lives as was breathing, so should it be for us today.
April 1607 – At Jamestown one of the first acts of Captain John Smith and his soldiers
was to erect a wooden cross on the shore at Cape Henry. The Rev. Robert
Hunt led 149 men in public prayer, thanking God for their safe journey and
they recommitted themselves to God’s plan and purpose for this New
World.
Nov. 1620 – The Mayflower Compact was signed and sealed by prayer
Nov. 1621 – The First thanksgiving when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gave
thanks to Almighty God and acknowledged their utter dependence upon
Him for their existence.
1653 – The first entry into the city records of New Amsterdam (present day New York) was the Rev. John Megapolensis’ prayer of intercession opening the court “Graciously incline our hearts, that we exercise the power which thou hast given us, to the general good of the community, and to the maintenance of the church, that we may be praised by them that do well, and a terror to evil-doers.”
1680 – During their establishment of New Hampshire as a province, a civil assembly was convened and a solemn public fast was proclaimed, a proclamation that “… their glorious cause (to be)… the glory of God… and spreading the gospel among the heathen”
1736 – Moravians and other persecuted Protestants who, when they touched the shores of
Georgia knelt in thanks to God. They said, “our end in leaving our native country
is not to gain riches and honor, but singly this – to live wholly to the glory of
God.”
Sept. 5, 1774 – The first Continental Congress, on it’s first day met, “The proceedings of the Assembly were introduced by religious observances and devout supplications to the throne of grace, for the inspiration of wisdom and the spirit of good counsels.”
General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson many times during his command of confederate troops was heard to be pleading with God to “Baptize the whole army with His Holy Spirit.”
Abraham Lincoln, on September 22, 1862 issued the Emancipation Proclamation after seeking God for the reason why the South had such great victory in battle, and being impressed upon by God that the nation’s chief sins were slavery and pride, not only did he issue the proclamation but he also called for a national Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer throughout the North on April 30th, 1863.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)