On Friday, we will celebrate the birthday of America the Beautiful!  We'll sing about spacious skies, and amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesty across the fruited plain.  Although the scenery may be wonderful, the real measure of the "beauty of America" is demonstrated by the way Americans live and act. 
 
           If everyone were just like you, how beautiful would America be?
 
No matter how many billions of dollars we spend on beauty products, we will not be able to cover up a corrupt heart, a devious mind, or a selfish attitude.  
 
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 1 Peter 3:2-4
 
The Apostle Peter encouraged Christians to live in unity, love, compassion, peace, and patience; to oppose the slanders of their enemies, not by returning evil for evil, or railing for railing, but by blessing; by a ready account of their faith and hope, and by keeping a good conscience. To encourage them to this, Peter proposes the example of Christ.*
 
I have known many beautiful people over the years, but the ones who stand out, those who radiate beauty, are those who have a gentle spirit and a loving heart.
 
YOU too can make AMERICA BEAUTIFUL.  Come to Him who makes all things beautiful.
 
Celebrating our freedom,

Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth
Media Fellowship International
------------------------------------------------
(* from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)
 
Media Fellowship International
P.O. Box 82685
Kenmore, WA 98028
www.mediafellowship.org
425-488-3965