This Fourth of July we once again celebrate the independence and liberty secured by the brave patriots and forefathers of our country. They were on a mission. Their determination and sacrifice has made the United States of America the greatest example and bastion of freedom the world has ever known. We reaffirm that mission every time we “Pledge Allegiance” to the flag and “to the republic for which it stands.”

Little Jeremy was on a mission. At six years of age he was visibly moved at the plight of a third world country when his teacher told the class that many children were dying because they did not have clean water to drink.

Looking through a veil can be frustrating. Through the veil you can see the shadow of a thing but the real substance is hidden and unobtainable. Jacob worked for seven years to obtain his promised bride Rachel. Finally, on his wedding day, in joyful anticipation he took his bride. But after the veil was taken away, he found that his father-in-law had tricked him. Jacob was given Leah instead of the promised Rachel whom he loved. He had to work for another seven years to obtain his beloved bride. (Genesis 29) Evidently, Jacob could not see through the veil and was prevented from receiving the promised love of his heart.

A few years ago a movie was produced with an intriguing title – “Dead Man Walking”. The movie dealt with inmates on death row and the death penalty. As an inmate is escorted to the death chamber an announcement is made, “Dead man walking!” All the other inmates on death row watch the inmate walk the last few yards to their execution.

It was a sad movie without a lot of hope offered. But the Word of God teaches us that we are all “dead men walking”. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The late George Harrison of the Beatles wrote and sang the song “My Sweet Lord”. It was a moving and intimate song of devotion to his Lord. Unfortunately “My Sweet Lord” was not directed toward the Lord, the Creator of the universe, and Savior of the world, but towards his lord, Hare Krishna. Krishna, one of the nine incarnations of the god Vishnu is a distinct Hindu sect. The ninth incarnation was Buddha.

While most of Hinduism tends to have a rather impersonal feeling about God, Krishna Consciousness stresses the importance of a personal relationship with Krishna.

Having a farm background, I know how important it is to mend fences. It is sometimes a tedious and tiring job, but to neglect it can result in tragedy and loss. When we lived in South Dakota, a rancher friend had several sheep. When a sheep would find a hole in the fence and go through it, the whole flock would usually follow. Occasionally one would get stuck and die struggling to get out. It is imperative to be ever vigilant in mending fences.

Multitudes of marriages and human relationships have been damaged and destroyed because of the neglect of mending fences. We must constantly work at mending relationship fences in marriage, family, church, and the work place. Let us consider seven steps to healing of marriage and human relationships.

The Columbia River gorge in Oregon is breathtakingly beautiful. Multnomah Falls is a popular destination for many hikers and tourists. The legend of the falls tells of a beautiful Indian maiden, the daughter of the chief of the Multnomah tribe. The princess was the only child left to her aging father. The chief loved his daughter dearly and picked out a husband for her, a young warrior who was a prince of the Clatsop tribe, whom she loved. The two tribes came together to celebrate the days of the wedding feast. Just before the feast began, a terrible sickness fell on the men of the tribes killing many of them.

There is a popular television series entitled “Lost”. Although I’ve never seen it, I have been told that it is a very suspenseful and well produced television series. The program began two years ago with the crash of Oceanic Flight 815 that was flying from Sydney, Australia to Los Angels, CA. For some unknown reason the plane breaks apart and crashes onto a remote island. The passengers, through story lines shown in flash backs, bring to the island their baggage of lost faith and being lost in life. The story shows how faith and purpose in life are rediscovered and sometimes lost again.

It is an awful feeling being lost. Were you ever been lost in a crowd as a child? Many people have nightmares about being lost.

A businessman shared that he felt guilty if he took time off from work for fun and recreation. I somewhat identify with him. Early in my pastoral ministry, some people tried to put a guilt trip on me if I spent time with my family or having fun. The values of our western culture would have us to believe that the busy, publicly active, nose to the grindstone person in business, work, or ministry is the most successful or spiritual person.

In our culture there are multitudes of people who live stress-filled lives that end in burn out, disease, or their world coming apart at the seams.

Dear friend,

Over the years, we have conversed about the existence of God. We have discussed creation and the unlikely theory that this vast, varied, and complex universe could have just come into existence by accident or have evolved over a trillion years. We have considered the Apostle Paul’s argument that from the creation of the world people have seen the earth and the sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they are without excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. (See Romans 1:19-20.)

My cousin flies helicopters. This past Memorial Day I enjoyed having a conversation with him at the annual family barbeque. He recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and is scheduled to return in December. Perhaps he thought my question a little strange when I asked, “Did you realize that you were flying over the very cradle of civilization?” He replied that he had been more focused on doing his duty and returning home to his family.

Iraq is intriguing because it is the area of ancient Babylon. The Garden of Eden was located there as well as the Tower of Babel.

Please ask yourself this question – Is God pro-life? Absolutely! There is no doubt about it. God’s Word is unmistakable. “Thou shall not kill” is one of the Ten Commandments. “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). God is the Creator and sustainer of life.

Once, while discussing the abortion issue with a politician, the remark was made that abortion is a moral issue. I concurred. But is not the law of our land and Judeo-Christian ethics based on the concept of a moral God and moral code?

Larry King was recently interviewed on “The Today Show” concerning his recently published book Remember Me When I’m Gone. The world famous radio and television personality asked the talented, the beautiful, the wise, and the rich a question all of us have pondered to some degree, “How would you like to be remembered after you die?”

The contributions range from one-liners by Yogi Berra – “It’s over.”; Kato Kaelin – “I guess my 15 minutes are up!”; Jack Lemmon- “In.”; Calvin Klein – “By eternity.”; Gene Shalit – “I won’t be back after this message.”;

I sat in the courtroom on a wooden pew surrounded by rich wood paneled walls. As I looked toward the judge’s bench at the front of the courtroom, the bailiff commanded all to rise and announced the entrance of the Honorable Judge Slater, as court was called into session.

I felt admiration and respect for the judge as he was referred to as “your honor” when addressed. Did “his honor” have respect because of his title, family name, money, or social/class standing? Probably not. “His honor” had been a classmate of mine and, on occasion, we had even driven livestock into the showering of his grandfather’s sale barn. While being a man of good moral character, “his honor” was shown respect, even by his enemies, because he represented the law of the land.

As I drove over the Jefferson Barracks Bridge back into Illinois, I was in awe as I took in the row after row of white grave markers that seemed to flow up and down the green hillside of Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. How many thousands of soldiers lie under the sod of the cemeteries of America, those who served our country, to protect and insure our freedom? Our hats go off to you.

This Memorial Day many will flock to the lakes, beaches, and parks on holiday. Many people will have no thought of those who served to safeguard our freedom.

A few years ago a compelling but complex motion picture was nominated for nine Academy Awards – winning Oscars for Robin Williams and “hot newcomers” Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Good Will Hunting portrayed a triumphant story about Will Hunting, the most brilliant mind at America’s top university who was a janitor – not a student. Will Hunting was a headstrong, working-class genius. When he was “discovered”, Will was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, but he didn’t want to leave his friends nor deal with the issues of his past. He finally realized that he had been gifted and given opportunities that many only dreamed of. It would be a shame to waste his giftedness when he could make a contribution to life.

As we watched the terrible scenes unfold through the media into our homes, we were appalled and angered at the attack on America. The destruction and carnage at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the horrific plight of those airliners hijacked by terrorists was almost beyond belief.

America is a diverse country, but a united country. In a time of crisis we have always come together as one. A reflection of the unity was displayed as congress and the leaders of America gathered on the steps of the US Capital building to address the nation concerning this terrible attack on our country. At the conclusion of their meeting they began to sing an impromptu rendition of “God Bless America”. It seemed to express our solidarity, our resolve, our love for our country, and prayer for God’s blessing and protection.

The future looked dim for Alvin and Calvin Harrison. After being evicted from their home, the twins found themselves homeless. For a while, they lived in their mother’s old mustang. They quickly learned how to survive. After experiencing the loneliness of foster care, they finally were able to go live with their grandmother. Perhaps that’s where they first discovered their athletic talent and developed the discipline and determination to go for the gold. In the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Alvin persevered to win the silver in the men’s 400-meter.

Then there was the unbelievable and flashy Michael Johnson, with his golden running shoes, who became the first man ever to win the 400-meter in consecutive Olympics. He has won four Olympic and nine world championship gold medals.

Have you ever wondered where you fit in society? Where you fit in amongst your peers? Perhaps you have felt like a round peg being forced into a square hole. Culture tends to categorize individuals into homogenized groups. Do you identify with any of the following groups?

GAMERS: I recently read a news article concerning a popular young person who described himself as a “gamer”. I’m not quite sure, but possibly a gamer is someone who is an avid video game player.

Freedom is dear because freedom is costly. On Memorial Day flags waved in salute over the graves of the brave who served and sacrificed their lives in the Armed Forces to give Americans and many throughout the world life and liberty.

The bestselling book Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley, and the graphic and gripping movie based on the book, portray the horrible story of the Battle for Iwo Jima. The memorable photo of the six men who raised the flag of the United States at Iwo Jima became and icon representing the heroes who fought for the land of the brave and the free.

Multitudes of men and women languish in prisons throughout America. Those behind bars need hope and help to break free from their bondages and the consequences of bad decisions. God has a vast army of volunteers who are shining a light into the darkness and proclaiming the good news of hope.

As I have shared the Word of Life in prisons, I’ve noticed that one of the most repeated prayer requests is for God’s help to overcome fear and anxiety. People inside and outside the church also struggle to overcome fear.

The day after the Rutgers’ women’s basketball team reached the NCAA finals radio talk show host Don Imus made some derogatory comments about the team members and their coach. The coach, C. Vivian Stringer, called radio talk show host Don Imus’ comments, “despicable, abominable, and unconscionable.” The team overcame much adversity to reach the championship finals – Coach Stringer overcame much as well.

In reply to Imus’ degrading remarks, Coach Stringer gave what I saw as a powerful, inspired sermon during a national news conference held in the Rutgers’ gym. She gave thanks to the Lord who brought the team and herself to a place of victory.

Susan Tom, a single parent of seven adopted children with disabilities, didn’t set out to adopt children with special needs but somehow they found each other. After her divorce, Susan, a mother of four (two biological and two adopted) became a foster parent and soon fell in love with the children no one else wanted. Taking in children with challenges hasn’t been easy. Xenia and Hannah were born with spinal bifida and confined to a wheelchair; Cloe was born unable to bend her elbows and knees and getting around the house is extremely difficult; Katie was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and is mentally challenged; Faith was badly burned as a baby and encounters stares from strangers every day of her life; Margaret was not expected to live because of brain damage.

Ralph was mentally handicapped but basically harmless. He loved to dress in army fatigues and play soldier. A highlight of his career was the day the National Guard rolled through his small Kentucky town in a long convoy of trucks, jeeps, and equipment. Already dressed in his uniform, Ralph thought he would help out by directing traffic. Unsuspectingly the lead vehicles followed Ralph’s directions until they came to a dead-end with nowhere to turn around. Angrily the sergeant relieved Ralph of his duty and slowly began to back the convoy up.

Not everyone who dresses as a soldier is one. Not everyone who wears a suit is a success. Not everyone who wears a clerical collar can preach or necessarily knows God.

By 1977, Kerry Livgren had achieved superstardom. His rock band, Kansas, had achieved international acclaim. Livgren had wealth, fame and a good marriage, yet he felt empty on the inside. Although confirmed in a church as a child, he had no relationship with Christ, only a knowledge of Christianity which he rejected as a religion for extremists. Livgren’s despair was summed up in his classic song, Dust in the Wind: “Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea/ All we do crumbles to the ground, but we refuse to see/Dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind/ Don’t hang on; nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky/It slips away, and all your money won’t another minute buy/ Dust in the wind; all we are is dust in the wind.”

Have you cast your vote? Sadly, too many Americans take their right to vote for granted. Multitudes throughout the world live under the rule of tyrannical governments. We have the privilege of living in a democracy, a country founded “by the people, for the people, and of the people!” To maintain that great freedom as American citizens, we must, among other things, exercise the right and responsibility to vote. We must pray and participate in government if we would protect our Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the United States of America.