Jun. 29, 2025

America the Beautiful!  Katherine Lee Bates composed our favorite patriotic  hymn after visiting Pikes Peak in 1893.  In a short time it found its way into the hymn books of almost every denomination.  America indeed is a beautiful nation, but its beauty is seen not just in its majestic mountains and fertile plains.  There is the beauty of our foundation.  From the Mayflower Compact to our constitution, America's governing principles were created by men of faith in God.  There is a beauty of America's faith.  The French writer, Alexis de Tocqueville, said that "America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."  Will America be beautiful in its future? That will depend a great deal on whether God's people will heed His word:  If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." (2 Chronicles 7:14-15) God is listening.  Are we praying?