Into the Fire

Happy 4th of July!

Independence from tyranny . . . we celebrate the formation of the new nation with barbeques, hot dogs and hamburgers, fireworks, camping trips, R & R, parades, the memories of military service past and present.  Each person or family has its own version of celebration for this holiday . . . or not.

We have a flag flying and I get choked up at times when I see the breeze lifting it up and stretching out its colors. God bless the United States of America. God shed His grace on thee. With all of our weaknesses, our perversions, our abominations . . . still . . . our God is made strong in our weaknesses. We plead for His divine intervention to reign over us and rain down upon us. For we are a free people in a gorgeous land, a land He has prospered and preserved. We are blessed beyond any other peoples on earth. This land of plenty.

Yes, as Jesus reminded us, we will always have the poor among us. On this earth. We will always have people doing harm to people. On this earth. We will always have to fight to protect our freedoms against hatred, violence, and sadism. On this earth. Yes, we will always have to face the curses of sin. 

However, Independence Day is not just a celebration of a nation’s official birthday, it is also the glorious proclamation of a higher independence. An independence that leads to dependence. An independence from the tyranny of sin to the dependence on the One who saved us from it and will keep us firm in His holy grip if we’re completely yielded to Him and dependent upon Him for the workings of our lives. He leads—we follow. He is the bravest, the most courageous, the protector, the mighty One, the strong tower, the refuge in time of storm or trouble. When our lives are over, He will take us to be with Him. 

So, on this wonderful holiday thank God He allowed you the privilege of being born in the United States of America. There’s no better place on earth. 

Father, please continue to shed your grace on this country. Heal us from the sin within our borders. Help us to pray for souls to know you. Help us to pray for a great moving of your Holy Spirit. Help us to celebrate our independence by being dependent upon you and you alone. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.