Patriotism, Prayer & Pride

Patriotism, Prayer & Pride

Tonight, I have the privilege to address nearly 1,000 adults and teens at the baccalaureate of Grace Brethren Christian School in Clinton, MD. These are always exciting times and a rite of passage for many graduating from the formative years to “for real.”

My four month old son, Andrew Lincoln has taught me some powerful life lessons recently. His focus on his Bottle is second to none. He is like a laser, an arrow to its target, white on rice, a man on a mission when it comes to focusing on his formula (bottle). Nothing or no one matters at that moment. As I prepare to speak tonight I am reminding the graduates that we must focus (not on the bottle) but the Bible like never before. Someone wrote to her son going off to college: “Baby, this Book (Bible) will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this Book.” We need to major like never before on God’s Word. Our focus needs to be in the Word not world. Our gaze on God, sights set on the Savior and be looking for the Lord’s appearing because Arnold was not the first to say: “I’ll Be Back!”

Secondly, I have a 7 AM flight tomorrow to the Peach State (Great State of Georgia) and will speak twice on Sunday to two different churches. A Baptist church in the morning and a Pentecostal church in evening in that sweet southern state. Any place, with sweet tea, southern hospitality and Cracker-Barell is home away from home for me. Thirdly, my dear Aunt Georgia Shelton, was admitted this week to the hospital for chest pains and we initially thought she had a heart attack. Between my preaching this weekend in Georgia and my Aunt Georgia; hence, the title for this post: “Georgia on my mind.” On Monday, we celebrate “Memorial Day” and a special salute to all those whom and continue to fight for our freedom and safeguard our shores. Liberty is not FREE and I am reminded of this great thought in closing.

“It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote. Sadly, often times it is the VETERAN that still salutes the flag when most at sporting events are “Missing In Action” when it comes to respect and reverance.”

This weekend, pause and pray for our recent graduates around the Globe that they will walk and work for God’s glory. Pray for my Aunt Georiga and all those ill during these dark, difficult days with health issues. Please pray for our Nation that we continue to chase the Commandments of Christ because it is a fact; we will no longer be Home of the Brave if we lack in faith and use our freedom for selfish gains. Last but not least, thank a VETERAN and most importantly, praise God for “whom ALL blessings flow.” Our Liberty is because of the Lord and because He lives – we can too! God bless you and God bless America.