Strength for Service to God and Country Quotes

“July 4—Independence Day Read Ps. 137:1-6 THE CHALLENGE OF PATRIOTISM If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. —Ps. 137:5 The Fourth of July is no time for a shallow celebration. Patriotism is too sacred for that. The man who said, “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning,” was far from home and in a strange land. The uppermost thought in his mind was his own country, his city, his home. He had been asked to sing a song of his native land while in captivity, and he had refused on the grounds that it might appear that he was forgetting his own dear city. This man of Bible times was willing to consecrate his all—whatever it might be—for love of his country. We remember this day the values that are included in true patriotism— all those things which have made our country the greatest on earth, those things for which we should be willing to die. There is something almost divine in true love for one's country. Religion and patriotism are woven together. Love to God means love for those high things which He has created.”
― Norman E. Nygaard, Strength for Service to God and Country

“ALMIGHTY GOD, we approach Thee with boldness to supply our needs, realizing that Thou art able and willing to deliver and help us. Although we plead for haste, we will await in cheerful hope and patience Thy leisure. Since Thou hast never forsaken the soul that trusted Thee in time of need, we feel Thou wilt grant us that which is for our good. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen.”
― Norman E. Nygaard, Strength for Service to God and Country

“ETERNAL GOD, show us, we pray Thee, that out of small things Thou canst create that which is of great moment. Give us the strength we need this day to overcome the world and so take our place by the side of those who are building for a fairer tomorrow. In the name of Him who overcame His world. Amen.”
― Norman E. Nygaard, Strength for Service to God and Country

“O GOD, we are ordinary people, but we have an extraordinary Savior. Help us to mirror His life, to use our ordinary talents for Him, and to see them become extraordinary. Amen.”
― Norman E. Nygaard, Strength for Service to God and Country

“One of the bitterest disappointments death is ever made to reveal to the soul is that the cause it has given so much of its time and affection to must now be committed to those who come after and yet care nothing about it, and by whom the withering effect of neglect will surely soon be made evident. To you, young men and women arising now to power, we throw the torch! We have tried honestly to build nobly; we have tried to shape well the things of lasting value. We cannot bear to think of being buried out of all this if you fail to catch and hold high the great Christian ideals. It isn't death we fear. We dread only to be buried away from these great ideals of faith we have held so immeasurably dear all our lives, if you who come along allow them to wither.”
― Norman E. Nygaard, Strength for Service to God and Country

“OUR FATHER, in times of stress and disappointment we call upon Thee to reveal to us the comfort of Thy presence, even amid the clouds that envelop us. Teach us to know Thy will, and show us how to follow it. Help us to plan our “journeys.” Strengthen us for the daily task, and may the peace that passcth understanding be ours even though the journey may remain incomplete. Amen.”
― Norman E. Nygaard, Strength for Service to God and Country