Newsletter July 2024

It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors.

Patriotism and Prayer

Many of us, when asked about patriotism, will think of the American flag, fireworks, parades and the American soldier. Often, the idea of prayer is not linked to patriotism at all. But I believe that the more patriotic that we become, individually and as a nation, the more we will want to pray for our country.

Our nation was birthed out of prayer. The Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 was first preempted with our Founding Fathers praying during the first Continental Congress meeting on September 7th, 1774. For nearly two years, delegates prayed for a nation under God.

George Washington wrote in his diary at the time, “Went to church and fasted all day.” John Adams wrote in his diary, “God grant us wisdom and fortitude.” Tom Cushing, also moved by prayer, asked the Continental Congress to be opened in prayer and his motion was passed. A nation under God was born.

Since then, we have elected both Republicans and Democrats into office, some have believed in prayer, and some have not. But I believe that there is one thing that has not changed since that first Independence day, our nation needs men and women who lead our country to depend upon God. Not only that, God is depending upon you and me to not just be patriotic, but to also pray for our leaders and our country.

We are living in terroristic, troubling, and dividing times. Often times , the one thing that stands in the way of God blessing a nation is our prayers. Or I should say, the lack of our prayers…

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” (Ezekiel 22:30)

It doesn’t really matter how we feel about the man or woman in office, what matters is whether we are willing to stand in the gap for our country?

I am proud to be an American and I hope you are too. Today, I hope you value your right to be patriotic in a land that is free, and I hope that you will exercise your freedom to pray to God that He will bless the USA.

Patriotism and prayer; a Believer in Christ cannot have one without the other.

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Save the Dates!

August:

Wed, Aug 7 Astro Game Day/Hot Dog Bar @ The Loop Noon-3p Rm 132 (Reception Rm) $13 per person Astro vs Rangers Game will be televised at 1:35p Snacks will be available

Mon, Aug 12 3J Museum & Texas Tradition-Katy Day Trip

We will meet at the main (west) parking lot at 8:30a and depart at 9a. After the museum tour we will have lunch at Texas Traditions (on your own). Registration is required. Limited space.

Thu, Aug 22 Italian Night-Pizza, & Music Entertainment 5:30-8p @ Fellowship Center $15 per person for dinner, dessert & drink.

Mon, Aug 26 Monday Morning Mingle 10a-Noon Rm 132

Special Guest: Pastor Gregg Matte, Houston’s First Senior Pastor No cost, but we do ask that you register

September:

Thu, Sept 19: Holocaust Museum Tour $16 per person for tour.

Meet at 9a in main parking lot. Depart at 9:30a by Harris County Pct. 3 bus; Lunch at Demeris (on your own)

Please contact Grace should you have any questions.

Grace.Munoz@HoustonsFirst.org or call 713.957.7661