Sunday, June 10, 2007 "Existence in a land of Freedom"

Sunday, June 10, 2007

"Existence in a land of Freedom"

From Julie's Keyboard:

Finding Life....

Proverbs 8:32-35"Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord."

When we really stop to think about it, isn't this what everyone is seeking to do in some form or the other? If we're alive, breathing the air about us, we have an inward desire to have some quality of living beyond where we are at the present place and time.

The thing in question is how one goes about this pursuit of life. What is our vision of really living? Have we understood that our desires and aspirations must be shaped from a day to day friendship with the Lord? Do we set goals and desire executive seats that we haven't been called to fill? We might ask then, "How do I know if my inward desires are conducive with His will for my life?" Can we know? I submit to you this day that, yes, indeed we can.

In verse 17 of this same scripture text we find, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."
Psalm 37:4 tells us to "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Read the whole 37th chapter of Psalm and you will get a clear picture of one who will obtain this Life of great value. Where are we today? Who do we seek to please? What consumes the hours of our days? May we gauge these notions in light of the Word we have just read and trust Him to lead us to all truth in Him. This is our blueprint for success.

Have a blessed week!
Julie

______________________________

"Existence in a land of Freedom"

JOHN DICKINSON
(1732-1803)
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION
DELAWARE, QUAKER/EPISCOPALIAN: LAWYER; PLANTER; POLITIGAL PHILOSOPHER;
STATE LEGISLATOR; DELEGATE OT THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS;
WRITER OF THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION.

But while Divine Providence, that gave me existence in a land of freedom, permits my head to think, my lips to speak, and my hand to move, I shall so highly and gratefully value the blessing received as to take care that my silence and inactivity shall not give my implied assent to any act, degrading my brethren and myself from the birthright, wherewith heaven itself "hath made us free."

I pray God that he may be pleased to inspire you and your posterity, to the latest ages, with a spirit of which I have an idea, that I find a difficulty to express. To express it in the best manner I can, I mean a spirit that shall so guide you that it will be impossible to determine whether an American's character is most distinguishable for his loyalty to his Sovereign, his duty to his mother country, his love of freedom, or his affection for his native soil.

But, above all, let us implore the protection of the infinitely good and gracious being "by whom kings reign, and princes decree justice."

A communication of her rights in general, and particularly of that great one, the foundation of all the rest that their property, acquired with so much pain and hazard, should be disposed of by none but themselves or to use the beautiful and emphatic language of the sacred scriptures "THAT THEY SHOULD SIT EVERY MAN UNDER HIS VINE, AND UNDER HIS FIG TREE, AND NONE SHOULD MAKE THEM AFRAID.

Personal Note: “My head to think, my lips to speak, and my hand move” how easy it is to take our freedom for granted. The simple act of deciding to leave home in the evening and head out for dinner with the family is an act not so easily done in other countries. Has our freedom become complacent?

Is an American distinguishable for his loyalty to his Sovereign (this did not have to be defined during our founding era, it was an understood phrase), his duty to his mother country, his love for freedom, and his affection for his native soil? If this does not define who we are today, then we must conclude we are not being faithful to the dreams and aspirations of our Founders, nor are we building the nation to which they builded.

We as a nation should constantly review the words and actions of our Founders, see where we stand in light of this American ideal.

May God bless each of you,

David