Ken Duncan is a renowned photographer from Australia who is known for his incredible panoramic photography. In 2008 he published a beautiful photographic journey through all fifty of our United States of America. The book is entitled, Walking With God In America. In the introduction of this book Duncan writes:
"It might seem funny that although I am Australian, God has given me a real burden for America. No nation in the world has been more naturally blessed than the United States, and I believe God has done that so people will understand how much He cares for the nation. America's faith in God is what has made it one of the greatest countries on earth, and that faith is a beacon of hope for other struggling nations around the world.
One of the things that motivated me most to do this book was that God clearly showed me how the enemy [Satan, whose task it is to kill, steal, and destroy] was trying to undermine America's godly foundation. He showed me that the awakening of the battle would be when the government is pressured to remove the words 'In God We trust' from the currency. This is something Christians must never allow to happen. Throughout my journey I was aware of many instances where the enemy was trying to remove the Ten Commandments from public buildings and stop prayer in schools, and at times I was deeply saddened. It is so important for America to stand strong against all the attempts to exclude God from people's lives, including government.
In January 1838 in a church in Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech wherein he warned his nation of approaching danger.
'At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasures of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trail of a thousand years.'
'At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.'
When I first heard this speech of Abraham Lincoln's narrated, it touched me deeply. I felt as if the enemy of which he spoke was lurking in the shadows here and now, in the form of apathy, hopelessness, fear, and division, and that his speech was a warning cry from the past. The United States of America displays the words, 'In God We Trust' on its currency, but has the nation's trust in the steadfast God been exchanged for the ever-changing passions of humanity? The Civil War in America gave testimony to the terrible cost of division. The 2000 and 2004 presidential elections showed how divided a nation could be when its hope is place in mere mortals. A house that is divided can fall. Is there still trust in the Highest power, or are we placing our hope in human authority?
[May I add here that the election of 2012 has shown us that we are a more deeply divided nation than ever.]
The United States of America has been blessed beyond measure. No nation has been granted a more beautiful place to call home. I believe God has blessed this country so that it may be a beacon to others by upholding the belief that liberty, faith, hope and unity can conquer any adversity. The bounty of awesome natural wonders is a constant reminder that there is accountability to a power higher than oneself. My prayer is that the American people never forget where their help comes from - the Maker of heaven and earth.
Our roots provide the strength to withstand the storms of constant change. A hardy breed of men and women pioneered this great nation of America and bequeathed to all a land of hope and possibility - a land of freedom. They have show the way to overcome obstacles and stand strong in times of adversity. Now is the time for all Americans to focus on where they have come from and what the foundation for the future will be.
I journeyed through this land on a three-year pilgrimage endeavoring to capture the spirit of America. My aim is to show the awesome power of God through the beauty of His creation, for I believe that it is the foundation of trust in God that has made America such a blessed nation..."
Duncan then quotes from 1 Kings 2:2,3:
'Keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies...that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.'
Our one hope going forward in 2013 and beyond will be found only in a great revival of the soul of the church and awakening in the land. PRAY FOR REVIVAL! PRAY FOR AN AWAKENING OF NATIONAL PROPORTIONS!
You will find some of the most beautiful photographic art work anywhere captured with the heart of God at its core at www.kenduncan.com - Promise!
