Happy Birthday !

Happy Birthday America! “O say can you see by the dawns early light…” (sing it with k0356651 me!) The United States of America is officially 233 years old today. Just like any nationally declared holiday, it has slipped from it’s original meaning to the commercialized display of self centered wonder.

Christmas, the birth of Jesus to Santa Claus and presents. Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus to the bunny and candy filled baskets. Thanksgiving, the sharing of thanks and friendship, to turkey, football and over eating.

Today, Independence Day, the birthing of a nation with God Almighty’s favor upon it, to fireworks, beer and the backyard BBQ.

k0141824 O we may not agree with all that our nation stands for in this current era, or be proud of the decisions made in the name of democracy. But may we not forget the years rolled out behind us of those who followed whole heartedly their convictions, standing up for freedom, for justice. Mostly for the ability to read our Bibles, pray, and say the name of Jesus without the fear of a gun shot ringing out.

This nation has STRONG roots in God. Just like the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, we too have wandered away and NEED the loving yet firm words of the Lord over and to us “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 emphasis mine) Our nation is not known for ‘humility’ by any means, however each heart rendered individually is God’s desire. Our pride of our country should not over write our humility before God.

Today, as we celebrate, let us not criticize our country (perhaps rightly so on some issues) but share about the favor of God, about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, about our fore fathers who loved and believed in this country. When we imageCAWJ9011 see the ‘ole red, white and blue’ waving in the breeze, see in our minds eye the uniforms worn, lemonade stands in front yards, Chevrolets and parades of soldiers coming home from battles, wearing bands on their arms of fallen friends. Picture children in school with their hand over their heart reciting “… one nation under God …”