Friday, July 4, 2014
Flag
from Fort 1812. US Smithsonian Institute
Jesus
said, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John
8:31-32).
Hey
Gang: Okay I admit it, when it comes to the Stars and Stripes I
am a pure and unadulterated softie. I was never much of a racing fan
until I happened to turn on a Nascar Race and was introduced to their respect
for our nation, our flag and our military. I have never been more proud
than when I served my country as an airmen in the United States Air
Force.
One of
the favorite books of the bride-of-my-youth is titled Amazing Grace.
It is 366 inspiring stories from the hearts of sincere believers who have
penned their relationship with Father God in ‘Psalms, hymns, prayers and love’.
In our many contacts with people who are struggling with the complexities of
this life, we have suggested they carry a music truth with them throughout the
day and let God speak to their hearts through the soothing voice of God through
music.
In the book Amazing
Grace is the story of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and how it came into
being. I am sure all of you know the history of its development but take
a moment and review it. This song came into being during the War of 1812
when its author, Francis Scott Key, was on the deck of a truce ship nervously
pacing back and forth on its deck while the British attacked the harbor of
Baltimore.
He had
been sent there as an advocate of peace to plead for the release of a
physician, who had been taken captive. The night was frightful; the
bombardment continued. Then the firing suddenly stopped, just before
morning. Key was fearful of the outcome, but as he looked hesitantly across the
water, he saw the American flag still triumphantly flying with the assurance of
our nation's freedom.
Although
the words, written on the back of an envelope, and music later added, which
happened to be an old hunting song, the ‘Star Spangle Banner’ did not become
our National Anthem until an act of Congress officially adopted it on March 3,
1931.
As I
read and reread the words of our National Anthem, a question surfaced in my
mind: In this day, when everything -in our once proud nation was
looked upon by the world as being the "Land of the free and
home of the brave, will the flag continue to be seen triumphantly
flying with the assurance of our nation's freedom"?
ooo,
my young friends, how about you. When you see the Stars and
Stripes or hear the National Anthem, do you stop and bow your head in
respect for all who have given their lives to give us the freedoms that we
enjoy? As we celebrate the day our US Constitution was adopted by the
Continental Congress and became the law of our land, we need to pray that God
will protect it- for surely it is under attack from many sides today.
Korea
Blessings,
Gramps
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