Reflections On July 4 (2007)
July 4th, 2007 · Posted in Current Affairs, Reflections · 0 Comments
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
Happy July 4th!
Today is a day for Americans to celebrate the freedoms God has blessed us with in this great land of ours. The United States of America is a great country — for many reasons — and I am proud to be a part of it!
The above words from the Declaration of Independence are some of the greatest words ever written. They provided a vision statement, so to speak, for those who gave their lives for freedom.
We all need to cherish these words and continue to work for these rights for all people. Let’s stop and give thanks today for those who have given their lives so we can enjoy our freedoms, and so others can enjoy them also. Their sacrifices have been brought home to me this week as I have been talking with a young man who will be sent to Iraq in a few weeks. I’ll be baptizing him Sunday. His commitment to Christ, country, and freedom is inspiring.
A few things I would ask you to do today:
1. Give praise to God for this great country He has blessed us with
2. Read The Declaration Of Independence.
3. If you know someone who has served in the Armed Forces, thank them for helping protect the freedoms we enjoy for us and others.
4. If you haven’t don it yet, read my sermon from last Sunday, where I talk about what it might take for God to bless America.
As is my custom on July 4th, I offer this prayer for America from the Presbyterian Church Book of Common Worship:
Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage.
Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will.Bless our land with honest industry, sound learning, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
Make us who come from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government
the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land.When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful;and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail.We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Presbyterian Church Book of Common Worship)
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