America the Beatiful

 

I'm reading an incredible book by Ben Carson entitled: America the Beautiful.  On page 58 he quotes Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville who came to America in 1831:  "I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors...in her fertile fields and boundless forests, in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning.  I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution.  Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret  of her genius and power.  America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."  Here's to shouting out the greatness of God who alone changes a heart or makes a country great....time to remember, time to be unashamed!

Identity...IDENTITY....Identity....IdEnTiTy....

So how much have you thought about who you are?

How much have you thought about who you are in Christ?

There's not much that occupies my mind more.  It's crucial, crucial, core and everywhere in scripture.  Having said that, here's a quote from Henri Nouwen that I read the other day that just rocked my heart and mind....again, about the idea of who we are in Christ and how we live.  Speaking of Brother Lawrence who lived hundreds of years ago...

"Lawrence himself never thought much about influencing other people's lives.  His only wish was to do all that he did in the presence of God"