Pledge of Allegiance of the United States

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."


In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Today it reads:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Section 4 of the Flag Code states:

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."






Sunday, June 23, 2013

DAY 31 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (SIXTH COMMANDMENT) - JUNE 24, 2013

June 24

Exodus 20:13 (The Voice Bible)

13 You are not to murder.

DAY 31 - DAILY DEVOTION - JUNE 24, 2013

June 24

Life Is Precious Handle With Prayer & Worship
Posted on September 13, 2012 by katherine


How can it be almost 2 years since the death of Bryan? And this morning, another worshiper I knew went home to be with the Lord. Sometimes, life isn’t fair. I guess I thought life was supposed to be like the movies where everything always works out & they live happily ever after…

I am learning to make the best of the life you have been given. Never take life or love for granted! Enjoy the little things, and seek to live & worship God with all that is within you.

Know that your life isn’t your own. It was bought & paid for by Christ Jesus. He bled, sweat & shed tears for you, and even in the midst of it all said, “Lord forgive them.” He forgave those who killed him even when he didn’t do anything wrong.

Lord, we choose to forgive all who have hurt, caused frustration, pain, agony, and even those who sought to kill us.. We give ourselves to you..

I keep thinking of the words of a song by William McDowell, “My Life’s not my own, to you I belong, I give myself away..”

When your life is all said & done, what will God say to you? I’m reminded of the scripture out of Mark 8:36, “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world & loose his own soul?” Bryan left everything behind & so will you? He even left his most prized possessions: family, electronics & his holy & sacred IPhone 4… LOL

I encourage you to lay your life in His hands again & live whole-heartedly for Him… He wants to use you for His Glory.. You too can sing in the midst of bad things happening to you. Will you join me in singing, the Glory due His name? He is our hope and our song.. Lean on His everlasting arms.. Here we are Lord, to worship & bow down.. You are Mighty & most Worthy of our Praise!

Maybe you haven’t lost a loved one, but you’ve had some rough roads that you’ve traveled. For my 4 girls and I, the only thing that has helped us make it through such difficult times has been prayer & worship. I don’t want to sound so religious, but it’s true. Staying close to God is THE ONLY WAY we have made it. Yes, there were times & still there are times when I want to run away & never come back, all those emotions & feelings are normal. God understands our hurt, loss, and pain. I’ve learned to go directly to Him. He will carry you & you will make it!

Will you worship with me now & say, “Here we are Lord, to worship & bow down.. We worship you. You are so worthy of all the praise..” We give ourselves to you!

Your life is precious & should only be handled with prayer & worship. Live everyday strong & make everyday count for Him & His Glory.

DAY 31 - DAILY PRAYER (THOU SHALT NOT MURDER) - JUNE 24, 2013

June 24

Prayer for Those Murdered

O God, we pray for those who have been murdered on the streets of our city. We commit to your loving care those who have died, beseeching you to receive their souls into the mercy of your love. Comfort their loved ones who mourn. Enable them to meet the lonely and painful days ahead in the strength of your love. Let the love that you have made known to us lead us to create safer streets for all to walk upon. Amen.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Multifaith/Death/Prayer-For-Those-Murdered.aspx

DAY 31 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHY IS 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER' IN THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?)

June 24

Question: "Why is 'You shall not murder' in the Ten Commandments?"

Answer:Simply stated, the sixth of the Ten Commandments forbids the unjustified taking of a human life. However, the commandment itself has a couple of interesting elements that bear mentioning. First and foremost, different Bible translations give the appearance of different meanings, and there is potential for misunderstanding the actual meaning of the verse. Second, man was never created for the act of murdering another, and there needs to be an explanation for such a violent and final act towards another human being. Third, because of the translational challenge, we need to understand the difference between “murder” and “killing.” And last but not least, how does God view murder? To God, murder is not just physical in nature but also the condition of one’s heart towards another.

There are two different Hebrew words (ratsakh, mut) and two Greek words (phoneuo, apokteino) for “murder” and “killing.” One means “to put to death,” and the other means “to murder.” The latter one is the one prohibited by the Ten Commandments, not the former. In fact,ratsakhhas a broader definition than the English word “murder.”Ratsakhalso covers deaths due to carelessness or neglect but is never used when describing killing during wartime. That is why most modern translations render the sixth commandment “You shall not murder” rather than “You shall not kill.” However, a very large issue can arise depending on which translation one studies. The ever-popular King James Version renders the verse as “Thou shalt not kill,” therefore opening the door to misinterpreting the verse altogether. If the intended meaning of “Thou shalt not kill” was just that—no killing—it would render all of the God-endorsed bloodletting done by the nation of Israel a violation of God’s own commandment (Deuteronomy 20). But God does not break His own commandments, so, clearly, the verse does not call for a complete moratorium on the taking of another human life.

Why does man murder? We know that we were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and we were made to live in harmony with God and with our fellow man. This harmony became impossible once sin entered into the picture (Genesis 3). With sin came the propensity for acting violently against one another. Anger, jealousy, pride and hatred can fuel man’s evil bent towards life-ending aggression. The first recorded act of murder was when Cain killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8). From that moment on, taking the life of another has been commonplace and, in some circles of society, acceptable. However, to God every life is important, and since God knew that man was sinful and evil and had become “lawless,” He enacted guidelines that would seek to modify man’s behavior (1 John 3:4).

So, is there a difference between murder and killing? First, it is important to note that not all killing is wrong. For instance, the apostle Paul talks about the right of the state to take the lives of evildoers (Romans 13:1-7). This relates to what is commonly referred to as capital punishment. Most countries have consequences for murder. In some cases this requires the life of the perpetrator and a suitable means of putting one to death is chosen and administered (Matthew 5:21;Exodus 21:14). Another instance of acceptable “killing” is that which is done during times of war and at the command of superiors. There were quite a few instances in Scripture where God endorsed and allowed the taking of other lives (1 Samuel 11; Judges 6–7). And finally, although far from acceptable, manslaughter is yet another form of killing someone. This unintentional act apparently happened so often in biblical times that cities of refuge were designated for the manslayer to seek refuge in (Exodus 21:13; Joshua 20). Again, it was never God’s intent to have to use such a drastic measure as taking one’s life to rectify a situation. So, God does make exceptions for the taking of another’s life as long as it lines up with His will. However, premeditated murder of an individual is never God’s will.

What is murder in God’s eyes? From the human perspective, murder is the physical act of taking another’s life. However, we also must consider that God defines murder asany thought or feeling of deep-seated hatred or malice against another person. In other words, it is more than just a physical act that constitutes murder to God, who tells us that “everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15 ESV). When we harbor hatred in our hearts for another, we have committed the sin of murder in God’s eyes. The disdain towards another person never has to be demonstrated outwardly because God looks upon the heart for the truth (1 Samuel 16:7;Matthew 15:19). As Christians and as human beings, we know that unjustified killing is wrong. God’s Word is very clear on this point: “You shall not murder.” And what God says we must obey, or we face the consequences on judgment day.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandThe Law of Perfect Freedom: Relating to God and Others through the Ten Commandments by Michael Horton.



While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.



Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-murder.html#ixzz2X67d9QFQ

DAY 31 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 24, 2013

June 24

American Minute for June 24th:

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His travels were exceeded only by Lewis and Clark.

He led expeditions up the Missouri River with such characters as keelboatman Mike Fink.

He discovered the South Pass through the Rockies and the first land route to California.

He led settlers across the Santa Fe Trail, the Mojave Desert, the Sierra Nevadas and up the Oregon Coast.

His name was Jedediah Smith, born JUNE 24, 1798.

At the age of 22, Jedidiah Smith answered an add in the Missouri Gazette, place by Missouri's Lieutenant Governor, William H. Ashley, seeking: "enterprising young men...to ascend the river Missouri to its source...to be employed for...three years."

Smith was known to carry two books, the Bible and a copy of Lewis & Clark's Expedition. Smith, who never drank, never used tobacco, and never boasted, wrote in his Journal:

"Then let us come forward with faith, nothing doubting, and He will most unquestionably hear us."

Jedediah entered into a fur trapping partnership, "Smith, Jackson and Sublette," and in 1827 sold furs at a rendezvous near the Great Salt Lake.

When fellow trapper John Gardner died, Smith gave the eulogy, as recorded by expedition member Hugh Glass:

"Mr. Smith, a young man of our company made a powerful prayer which moved us all greatly and I am persuaded John died in peace."

As captain of his second expedition, Jedidiah Smith was attacked by a Grizzly bear, as Jim Clyman described:

"The Grissly did not hesitate a moment but sprang on the capt taking him by the head first pitching sprawling on the earth...breaking several of his ribs and cutting his head badly...the bear had taken nearly all his head in his capacious mouth close to his left eye on one side and close to his right ear on the other and laid the skull bare to near the crown of the head...one of his ears was torn from his head out to the outer rim..."

Smith had Jim Clyman sew his scalp back on, but the ear was too cut to save. Smith insisted he try, as Clyman wrote:

"I put my needle sticking it through and through and over and over laying the lacerated parts together as nice as I could with my hands."

After two weeks of rest, Smith resumed leading the expedition.

On December 24, 1829, from the Wind River on the east side of the Rocky Mountains, Jedediah Smith wrote to his parents in Ohio:

"It is a long time since I left home & many times I have been ready, to bring my business to a close & endeavor to come home; but have been hindered hitherto...

However I will endeavor, by the assistance of Divine Providence, to come home as soon as possible...but whether I shall ever be allowed the privilege, God only knows.

I feel the need of the watch & care of a Christian Church.

You may well suppose that our Society is of the roughest kind.

Men of good morals seldom enter into business of this kind-I hope you will remember me before the Throne of Grace...

May God in His infinite mercy allow me soon to join My Parents is the Prayer of your undutiful Son, Jedediah S. Smith."

In a letter to his brother, Ralph, December 24, 1829, Jedediah Smith wrote:

"Many Hostile tribes of Indians inhabit this Space...In August 1827, ten Men who were in company with me lost their lives by the Amuchabas Indians...In July 1828, fifteen men who were in company with me lost their lives by the Umpquah Indians...Many others have lost their lives in different parts...

My Brother...I have need of your Prayers...to bear me up before the Throne of Grace."

In 1830, Smith sold his shares in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, retired, and bought a townhouse in St. Louis.

However, he had agreed to go on one last trip for the Sublette and Jackson Company, leaving in the spring of 1831.

On May 27, 1831, while looking for water along the Sante Fe Trail, Smith was ambushed by Comanche warriors and killed.

Just four months earlier, January 26, 1831, Jedediah Smith had written to his brother Ralph in Wayne County, Ohio:

"Some, who have made a profession of Christianity & have by their own negligence caused the Spirit to depart, think their day of grace is over; but where did they find Such doctrine?

I find our Saviour ever entreating & wooing us."


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DAY 30 - DAILY BIBLE VERSE (FIFTH COMMANDMENT) - JUNE 23, 2013

June 23

Exodus 20: 12

12 You are to honor your father and mother. If you do, you and your children will live long and well in the land the Eternal your God has promised to give you.

DAY 30 - DAILY DEVOTION - JUNE 23, 2013

June 23
Worship Is…
Posted on June 9, 2013 by katherine


Worship is NOT singing a pretty song, seeing how loud we can get the bass/drums, nor trying to get the perfect lighting or smoke/fog ambiance.

WORSHIP IS…

Abiding in the Vine- Letting Him live through You

Arising in Faith, Bearing good fruit, Breaking forth into Joy

Desiring more of Him, more than yesterday

Drawing nigh to Him, Delighting yourself in the Lord

Declaring who He is & what He has already done

Falling at His feet & crying, Worthy is the Lamb

Following Him all the days of your life

Forgiving because He forgave you

Gazing at His beauty, Praying one for another

Loving Him with all your heart, mind & soul

Glorifying the King,

Giving Him all your fears, worries, cares & concerns

Praising Him ahead of the miracle

Confessing His Word over your life everyday

Counting your blessings

Remembering His body that was beaten, bruised, crushed, pierced & wounded

Standing in faith when you don’t see the answer

Singing a new song to the Lord

Seeking Him while He may be found

Trusting the Lord with all your heart

Leaning not on your understanding but acknowledging Him

Letting His kingdom come & His Will be done in & through you

Opening your heart to Him

Passionately pursuing His presence

Putting all your Hope in Him

Protecting the anointing He has given you

Hanging tough when all others give up

Believing the Impossible & not backing down

Being a light in the darkness- let your little light shine

Stirring yourself up in your most holy Faith

Keeping your heart burning hard after the things of God

Guarding His presence & keeping it always before you

Making a decision to use every breath to sing His praises & honor Him in everything you do

Winning the lost at all costs and Walking faithfully & uprightly with God, till your last breath!

DAY 30 - DAILY PRAYER (HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER) - JUNE 23, 2013

June 23

A Prayer to Honor Our Parents
By Jazmin Wilson | December 11, 2012 | Weapons in Warfare


Heavenly Father,

Help us to love and honor our parents wholeheartedly and to always show them respect no matter the situation. There may be times where we may not see things on similar terms; however, we know that we should cherish them as our parents. Help us to show our love for our parents through respect. We pray that the relationships that we have with our parents continue to thrive. We should take pride in the relationship and I pray that it is be blessed with an abundances of growth. We know that as children, we need to nurture the relationships with our parents. When there is no one left, our parents will always be there for us. The bond that we share with our parents should be incomparable to the relationship that we have with others.

Lord, help us to understand that a parent’s job is to be harsh sometimes. Help us to know that respecting our parents is in your will, Lord, and with honor comes obedience. We may not always agree with our parent’s perspectives but it is our purpose to honor who they are in our lives. Lord, we know that our parents will always love, honor, and cherish us just the same.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

DAY 30 - DAILY QUESTION ABOUT GOD'S WORD (WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER?)

June 23

Question: "What does it mean to honor my father and mother?"

Answer:Honoring your father and mother is being respectful in word and action and having an inward attitude of esteem for their position. The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize, and value.” Honor is giving respect not only for merit but also for rank. For example, some Americans may disagree with the President’s decisions, but they should still respect his position as leader of their country. Similarly, children of all ages should honor their parents, regardless of whether or not their parents “deserve” honor.

God exhorts us to honor father and mother. He values honoring parents enough to include it in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) and again in the New Testament: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Honoring parents is the only command in Scripture that promises long life as a reward. Those who honor their parents are blessed (Jeremiah 35:18-19). In contrast, those with a “depraved mind” and those who exhibit ungodliness in the last days are characterized by disobedience to parents (Romans 1:30;2 Timothy 3:2).

Solomon, the wisest man, urged children to respect their parents (Proverbs 1:8;13:1;30:17). Although we may no longer be directly under their authority, we cannot outgrow God’s command to honor our parents. Even Jesus, God the Son, submitted Himself to both His earthly parents (Luke 2:51) and His heavenly Father (Matthew 26:39). Following Christ’s example, we should treat our parents the way we would reverentially approach our heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:9;Malachi 1:6).

Obviously, we are commanded to honor our parents, but how? Honor them with both actions and attitudes (Mark 7:6). Honor their unspoken as well as spoken wishes. “A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1). InMatthew 15:3-9, Jesus reminded the Pharisees of the command of God to honor their father and mother. They were obeying the letter of the law, but they had added their own traditions that essentially overruled it. While they honored their parents in word, their actions proved their real motive. Honor is more than lip service. The word “honor” in this passage is a verb and, as such, demands a right action.

We should seek to honor our parents in much the same way that we strive to bring glory to God—in our thoughts, words, and actions. For a young child, obeying parents goes hand in hand with honoring them. That includes listening, heeding, and submitting to their authority. After children mature, the obedience that they learned as children will serve them well in honoring other authorities such as government, police, and employers.

While we are required to honor parents, that doesn’t include imitating ungodly ones (Ezekiel 20:18-19). If a parent ever instructs a child to do something that clearly contradicts God’s commands, that child must obey God rather than his/her parents (Acts 5:29).

Honor begets honor. God will not honor those who will not obey His command to honor their parents. If we desire to please God and be blessed, we should honor our parents. Honoring is not easy, is not always fun, and certainly is not possible in our own strength. But honor is a certain path to our purpose in life—glorifying God. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20).

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandYour Family God's Way by Wayne Mack.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/honor-father-mother.html#ixzz2X0dKPpoZ

DAY 30 - DAILY HISTORY - AMERICAN MINUTE FOR JUNE 23, 2013

June 23

American Minute for June 23rd:

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Indians along the Delaware River called themselves "Lenape," meaning in Algonquin "the people," and were in three clans: Turtle, Wolf and Turkey.

William Penn, called "Miquon" meaning quill, made a peace treaty with Tamanend, chief of the Turtle clan, on JUNE 23, 1683, under an elm tree in what was to become Philadelphia.

The Peace Treaty with the peaceful Quakers lasted over 70 years.

In 1697, Tamanend's last message before he died was:

"We and Christians of this river have always had a free roadway to one another, and though sometimes a tree has fallen cross the road, yet we have removed it again and kept the path clear."

During the French & Indian War, the Turkey clan attacked English settlers.

In 1778, Turtle clan Chief Gelelemend signed the first Indian treaty ever with the U.S. Government and later was converted to Christianity by German Moravian missionaries.

The Wolf clan converted, being called Christian Munsee, but were mistakenly confused with hostile Indians and tragically many were killed by vigilantes.

The Lenape Indians fled to Canada, Kansas and finally to Oklahoma, where in 1861, the great-grandson of Chief Gelelemend was born, John Henry Killbuck.

John attended the Moravian Seminary and in 1884 was one of the first Christian missionaries to the Yupik Indians in Alaska.

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