Saturday, July 8, 2017
1 Peter 2:13-17 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
LOVE YOUR COUNTRY -- IT IS GOD'S SERVANT TO YOU FOR GOOD
"God wills that we honor the government as His minister-- through which He bestows valuable blessings upon us … If you knew that somebody had saved your child's life you would be heartily thankful to him. Why are you not thankful to your government which daily protects you, your wife, and children from murder? For if the government did not check the wicked people, when would we be safe? Therefore when you look upon your wife and children, you should bear in mind: these are God's gifts, which I may keep by means of the government. And as you love your children, so you should love your country" (Martin Luther).
Prayer: Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Rev. George Lyman Locke)
