A few weeks ago I had a message which focused upon our need to trust the Lord during this time of uncertainty. Part of my message looked back upon the spiritual foundations that have been part of our heritage in this our United States of America. My favorite quote in that sermon was President James Garfield's words from 1877. His focus was upon the need to have a strong morality guiding our politics.
Since that time, one of our members brought to my attention a testament of faith of our first president, George
Washington. Take a moment to read these words written in 1752:
"O Most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ, my merciful and loving Father. I acknowledge and confess my guilt in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. I have called on Thee for pardon and forgiveness of my sins, but so coldly and carelessly that my prayers have become my sin, and they stand in need of pardon.
I have sinned against heaven and before Thee in thought, word, and deed. I have condemned Thy majesty and holy laws. I have likewise sinned by omitting what I ought to have done and committing what I ought not. I have rebelled against the light, despising Thy mercies and judgment, and broken my vows and promise. I have neglected the better things. My iniquities are multiplied and my sins are very great. I confess them, O Lord, with shame and sorrow, detestation and loathing and desire to be vile in my own eyes as I have rendered myself vile in Thine. I humbly beseech Thee to be merciful to me in the free pardon of my sins for the sake of Thy dear Son and only Savior Jesus Christ who came to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Thou gavest Thy Son to die for me."
—George Washington: from a 24-page authentic handwritten manuscript book dated April 21-23, 1752. William I. Johnson, George Washington, the Christian (New York: The Abingdon Press, New York and Cincinnati 1919), pp 24-35.
As we think about these words of President Washington, we can go back even further to the foundations of our faith. These foundations have helped to make our nation great. That greatness is often tested. We saw that on September 11, 2001, with an assault on our country. Will we be tested again? Perhaps. This is why we as individuals need to work together to grow in faith in our Lord Jesus and in service to our country.
As we near election day, we can serve by taking time to vote in the national and local election. So, on November 4, exercise your freedom to vote reflecting your courage of convictions. May we remember the words of our hymn, "God Bless our Native Land."
That is our prayer. May God bless us all as a country and as a people of God.
In Christ,
Pastor Brad Homan
