...in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,
provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. 

That, my friends, is the Preamble to our Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Did you know it is the oldest written constitution in force anywhere in the world?

And what a unique Constitution it is! Its wording is timeless. Unlike many of its imitators, it has survived huge social and economic changes, maybe because it is so different. Historians say that, unlike other constitutions, America's Constitution has almost nothing to do with matters of blood and land. We, alone, are a people dedicated to a proposition based on ideals. These documents, with their unusual mix of ideals and responsibilities, rights and duties, "...are a defining element of American life in a way that the written constitutions of other countries generally are not."  ~Jonathan Foreman, lawyer, historian and writer

When I was 12 years old my Dad took me to New York City. It was a business trip for him; he traveled a lot in those days. I was never quite sure if he took me along because he missed me so much or because it was summer, school was out, and Mom "sent" me along with him because she needed a break!

Regardless of how I managed to get there, Dad and I made many fond memories together on that trip. But the thing I remember most--as vividly as if it were yesterday--was looking out over New York Harbor from one of the 25 windows that line the crown of the Statue of Liberty.  

The statue, at 22 stories tall, presented an imposing figure to a young boy. In those days you could go all the way to the top. After climbing the 354 steps we followed the gaze of Lady Liberty as she looked across the harbor toward the Atlantic Ocean. For a long time my Dad and I stood quietly, side by side, in awe. We talked a bit about his mom (my grandmother), who had come to American at age 16 and sailed into this very harbor, waiting in the long lines on Ellis Island for her immigration papers to be processed. We stuck our heads out and craned our necks to get a good look at the torch that Lady Liberty held high in her right hand, symbolically illuminating the struggle for freedom.

The struggle for freedom continues. The "blessings of liberty" are a rare and precious jewel in this world. More than ever, this is the time to pray and intercede for our country and our leaders. I invite you to join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will move upon our nation. Governments are limited; charities are limited; but the Spirit of God knows no bounds. I thank God that in our country we still have the freedom to pray for that move of the Spirit.

May the flame of Lady Liberty's torch never go out and may we pray without ceasing for our country and its people.

Happy Independence Day!

THIS WEEK

Sunday, July 8: Fellowship of Followers
For this session I would ask that all of you pick up your book, Penetrating the Darkness, and spend a little time reviewing it. Make note of those things that were particularly impacting to you. We will be discussing the key principles in that book. We will also be practicing them by praying for healing tonight. We gather at Greg & Jeane's house at 6:15 PM. Call Greg at 623-376-9926 for directions.

Monday, July 9: Womens' Study
Meet at 7 PM at Gayle's house to take a closer look at two more women of the Bible, Tamar and Bathsheba. Read about Tamar in 2 Samuel, chapter 13; the story of Bathsheba is found in 2 Samuel, chapter 11. What can we learn from these two women? Donna will be leading. Call Gayle for directions at 623-340-1470.

Note: There is no meeting at Peace Lutheran on this night!