Celebrating Independence Day

We are ready for the celebration:
July Fourth, the birthday of our nation.
There are cook outs, parades, sales, and more,
With family, friends, drinks and food galore.

After enjoying all of the day's perks,
We're off to the city for fire works.
Bang! Boom! Crackle! OOH! AWW! Sigh;
What a display, as they light up the sky.

We are a land of the brave and the free,
Where many have fought for our liberty.
Let us thank God for Freedom in our land;
If "In God We Trust", we'll continue to stand.

The Soldiers' Prayer Meeting

During the Civil War, some soldiers
Met in one of the tents to pray.
They knew that they would fight
A terrible battle the very next day.

Each one committed himself to God
And to whatever fate He had willed.
They knew that in this next battle,
Any or all of them could be killed.

They decided to write up a paper
Expressing feelings of facing death.
Each soldier would sign this paper.
Soon some may take their last breath.

One copied the words to a Godly hymn.
It was, "My Faith Looks Up To Thee."
Each soldier then signed his own name,
A testimony to leave behind, you see.

They did not all meet again on earth,
For some gave their lives that day.
The survivors told the dead men's kin
About the night that they met to pray.

One man kept this special signed copy
Of the hymn "My Faith Looks Up To Thee."
He made a vow to preserve this copy
For each surviving relative to see.

Renew your ways in my life

 

In all these things renew your ways,
in all that I do throughout my days…

As I look to the heavens, may I see your design,
May I give you the praise, and all glory be Thine.

When I lift up Thy name, in prayer and in praise,
Please grant me Thy wisdom in each word and phrase.

As I read Thy word from day to day,
Please guide my path that in thee I may stay.

As I go through each day, may I live it your way,
And to others be a witness, not lead them astray.

As I live from this day forth for the God of old,
May I bring someone with me into thy fold. 

As it was with Adam on the eve of creation
May I trust in you without resignation.

You are my rock, in You I belong,
Strengthen my faith that I may stand strong.

Though my life be shaken to its very foundation,
May I trust in you, not just your creation.

May you be well pleased when I've passed the test,
And from this life I have at last come to rest.

And as I pass through the earths sullen haze,
May I fully trust in your proven ways.

Your will in all things, but may it be thus,
That my life be lived, to the glory of Jesus. 

I don't know how you do it Lord, it just blows me away,
That you can make anything useful of this dusty jar of clay.

Living Life

Be not without vision 

Seek the Lord's intention 
Charge forwards in mission 
Heed not the derision 

Stand up for righteousness 
Be full of faithfulness 
Do not withhold forgiveness 
Let go of all bitterness