June 25th
"God Bless America."
President Bush and other politicians often end their public appearances by saying, "God bless America." But what does that mean to us as individuals and as a nation?
Blessings have to do with both giving and receiving. It was a vital part of life in Bible times. To bless someone meant many things…to praise them, pray for them, and commit them to God's care. It also meant to dedicate and challenge them to live forever committed to God, to keep hold of spiritual things. It was a call for abundance and prosperity for another. And it was also a way of officially passing on the family inheritance to the oldest son. Wishes for a rich and abundant life were inherent in a blessing, although not always in a material sense. God was recognized as the ultimate source of the blessing. The person blessed would walk with the Lord and receive his benefits.
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
Psalm 1:1
God bless thee! and put meekness in thy mind, Love, charity, obedience, and true duty.
William Shakespeare
Heaven
