"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." – Galatians 5:1

In 1972, Dr. Robert H. Schuller delivered an original, inspiring, patriotic message on the Hour of Power entitled, "I Am the American Flag." The Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge awarded him the 1973 Principal Award for the most outstanding sermon in the United States for this inspiring message. Here is a short excerpt from Dr. Schuller's award-winning message:

I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG.
I speak from the wisdom of a long life. I first felt the vigor of wind on my multicolored face when I unfurled my thirteen stars over two hundred years ago.

Since then, I have known forty-three presidents. I have traveled across continents, oceans, and deserts, and have soared through space and stood proudly on the moon. I have lived long and traveled far to bring peace and freedom to oppressed people of the world.

I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG.
I have earned the right to speak. The price paid for my freedom is a million or more bright, beautiful, young men and women who died for me. I have wrapped them in my love and draped my honor over their caskets. I fly proudly over their graces, as people pray that wars might end forever.

I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG.
I fly in places of learning, listening to children pledge their allegiance to me in their classrooms.

You see me flying in legislative halls, courthouses, and churches, as the rustle of my stars and stripes cries out to every boy and girl, every man and woman, "Dream your dreams! Dare to believe You can make it in America!"

Without God, my stars would be clouded, my stripes would fade, my glory would depart, and freedom would erode and die. I, the American Flag have known humiliation, too. I've been stained, torn, spit upon, and defiled by my detractors when our country was torn by war after war after war.

What has kept this country standing on her feet through these trying times? Where does this courage come from?

You cannot explain the courage, the faith, or the toughness of this country without taking into account her churches, her temples, and her Bibles. More than we know, the explanation of her national strength is "In God We Trust." Today, a strong surge of spiritual faith and courage is needed to keep this country powerful and great.

Pray that our country's unquenchable, indestructible, imperishable spirit of human freedom may spread to the uttermost parts of the world.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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Thank you, Lord, for the United States of America where we enjoy so many freedoms that do not exist in other parts of the world. You have blessed us abundantly and we do not take Your blessings for granted. Bring peace and harmony to places in the world that need it today. We pray in the loving and strong name of Jesus. Amen.

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