Saturday, July 4, 2020

Happy Independence Day

Wishing everyone a Happy July 4th holiday as our country celebrates the Declaration of Independence, which was approved by Congress on July 4th, 1776 and declared our freedom as a nation. 

Freedom is a great definition of independence, as it is the result of the choices we make in our life. The power of choice is one of the greatest freedoms we have in our country, and knowing where to find it is important, as we see in Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”

Even though Covid 19 has caused the cancellation of many parades, community celebrations and events that we normally enjoy, I hope that you can spend time with family and friends and enjoy the fireworks, the beach, cookouts, picnics, or however you celebrate this summertime holiday. While doing this, I also hope that you take a moment to consider the benefits of the freedom this holiday symbolizes and all the things that we have to be thankful for:  The freedom to believe in God and live out our faith, the freedom to worship, the freedom to pray, and all those people past, present, and future, who protect and defend our country's freedom.

Billy Graham had this to say about Independence Day:
Although it is not a religious holiday like Christmas or Easter, for many Americans July 4th is a time to reflect on God’s goodness to us as a nation. Molded into the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia (which proclaimed our independence) are these words from the Bible: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10, KJV). Our legal system reflects our Judeo-Christian roots.

While we look with gratitude to the past on this July 4th, may we also look in faith to the future, and commit it and our lives to God and His will. The ancient words of the Psalmist are still true: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
At times like these, we may not feel so blessed, but there is still much to be thankful for, so please enjoy the 4th. I will leave you with this special music video from the group, Home Free featuring Lee Greenwood and the United States Air Force Band that was released last Thursday...

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