From the desk of Steve Shultz:

This is a good reminder by Robert Ricciardelli of where our strength comes from. We do get weary in well-doing from time to time and it's in those times that we need to "Soar on His Wings" as Robert mentions in his title.

Today as we celebrate the Independence of our Nation, I pray that your strength is renewed and God brings much needed rest to your soul. Enjoy today with your friends and family.

Happy Independence Day!

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God has tremendous purpose and original intent for all of His people—to dwell with them and bring revelation of Himself through them to the world. This is no surprise to those of us who have made the choice to "love God with all of our heart soul and mind" and to "love our neighbors" and all the Lord brings our way abundantly. These two pillars of our faith are the foundation for everything we do in life.

First things first—love God—for it is out of the abundance of our love and relationship with Him that makes loving others even possible. Mercy and grace and our lives of service to the King and His Kingdom all permeates from our heart of love and obedience to Him and His word. If we truly love Him, we will truly obey Him and submit ourselves, our lives, our resources to the guidance of His precious Holy Spirit within us.

We Live to Please the Father

The revelation of the priority of this life is that every part of our being is His. Every moment, every day, every victory, every trial, every abundant season and every season of lack is His, for it is He that is our very breath and the sustenance of all things. Such loving requires a listening ear, a giving spirit, and a desire for the best in life for others, even as we offer our best to God...(more)

"…To the distinguished character of Patriot it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian."

Writing for the 700 Club, CBN's Richard Klien explores some of the ways God's hand has been evident in the life of George Washington and in the birthing of the United States of America. Then, Klien zeroes in on a particularly miraculous event that turned out to be quite the catalyst in swaying an American victory.

Klien recalls how, during the French and Indian War, George Washington "survived unscathed," although two of his horses were "shot out" from underneath him, and "four bullets [passed] through his coat."

He reports that while serving as General in the Continental Army, Washington shared his faith and convictions with his men in an order which was dated July 9, 1776, and which read, "General Washington hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live, and act, as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country. To the distinguished character of Patriot it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." (Graphic: CBN.com)

The remarkable experience that Klien describes is what happened in August of 1776, when the British military, which had overtaken much of New York, seemed poised to overcome the Continental Army, fighting to uphold their newly declared independence.

A miraculous series of events transpired, from British commander General William Howe's failure to act, to inexplicably drastic weather phenomena, which allowed the surrounded General Washington and his troops to escape undetected and regroup; ultimately turning the tide for America's victory and establishment of an independent nation.

...(more)

Source: CBN.com

"German historian Leopold von Ranke observed that 'Calvin was virtually the founder of America.'"

(Boston, Mass.)—As America prepares to celebrate Independence Day this July 4, Vision Forum Ministries will be hosting a national celebration to honor the 500th birthday of John Calvin, a man who many scholars recognize as America's "Founding Father." The event—The Reformation 500 Celebration—will take place July 1-4 at the Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Boston. More than a thousand attendees are expected to gather for the four-day conference.

"Long before America declared its independence, John Calvin declared and defended principles that birthed liberty in the modern world," noted Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum Ministries. "Scholars both critical and sympathetic of the life and theology of Calvin agree on one thing: that this reformer from Geneva was the father of modern liberty as well as the intellectual founding father of America."...(more)

Source: Christian Newswire