Cary United Methodist Church
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Empowers Believers; Reaches the Community and Beyond
  
|
|
| God Bless America |
| “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed — that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” —The Declaration of Independence |
| These words spell out what was important to our leaders and citizens then and what is important to us now. The Declaration of Independence is not just a piece of paper. It is a declaration of our basic principles and rights. And a declaration of our dependence on God. I believe there is no law or liberty or justice or sacredness of human personality apart from God. It is God who endows us with these rights. And we cannot forget who we are and whose we are. Thus, as the people of God we must keep reemphasizing what is good, what is honest, what is right. We must reemphasize morality, decency, respect and honesty to the new generations of Americans who are before us. We do this by example, by the way in which we live our lives and conduct ourselves. And we must continue to uphold the principles and ideals that our founding Fathers believed in for they were given them by God. |
| As Americans, we have a duty to preserve and renew our faith in freedom, our devotion to democracy, and redouble our efforts to keep a government that truly represents the dreams and aspirations of its people. It is our responsibility to talk across old boundaries as brothers and sisters so that we may wisely end all prejudice and may put a stop to cruelty on the streets and neighborhoods, which divides or wounds the human family. |
| America was produced by great souls. Now we need great souls produce an even greater and better America. And that’s our responsibility. We need to use God’s gifts to strengthen and enrich its life, to protect our freedom of expression and worship, freedom of choice and affiliation, freedom to be oneself, freedom to hold to that which is just and compassionate. |
| May God continue to give all the people of this land his grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness, peace and respect, honor and pride. May God shed his grace on America and mend its every flaw. God Bless America! |
| Grace and peace, Pastors David and Shirley |
