This past week the United States of America celebrated Independence Day. A wonderful remembrance of our rebellion against, and separation from, the tyranny and oppression of a colonial power. But how much more should we celebrate what I call “Dependence Day.” This is the day that each one of us, from our heart humbly, sincerely and voluntarily submitted ourselves to the spiritual power and authority of Almighty God. In its own way it was our own personal revolt against the tyranny, oppression and subjugation of Satan. And this wonderful event is not observed by an annual celebration, but by daily participation.
We as a nation have seen the favor and blessings of God on our country because we have always acknowledged the existence and sovereignty of God. Our founding documents refer to “nature’s God” and endowments of “The Creator” which indicate a belief in our Heavenly Father. And though, from the beginning, we have not always lived up to or even obeyed God’s commandments, we still have always acknowledged this one important fact …….. there IS a God. And just having the faith to recognize and accept that God even exists in itself is a blessing. That is because any chance of having a relationship with Him starts with faith in Him. As Hebrews 11: 6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
From “In God We Trust” on our currency to “God Bless America” in song, these are not only beautiful sentiments of faith but also statements of fact. Psalm 33: 12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.” Indeed the blessings of God are promised to us as a chosen people and nation in accordance with Deuteronomy 28: 1-2: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
It is undeniable and undisputed that God has certainly blessed America. And has also been incredibly gracious and faithful to us continuously (“It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3: 22 & 23). He has provided for us during times of need, healed us of many sicknesses, comforted us in our pain, strengthened us in weakness, illuminated our dark paths, encouraged us in despair, lifted us when we were down and cheered us when we cried. He has given us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness and has turned our wailing into dancing. But most of all He sacrificed His only begotten Son to atone for the sins of us all that we might be reconciled to Him and be called “Children of the The Most High.”
Unfortunately, we as a nation have sought our independence from God by steadily departing from the obedience, submission and sacrifice required to be the spiritual Kings, Queens and Priests that we were ordained to be. We place our blessings and our lives in jeopardy when we wander from loving and serving the living God with all of our hearts, soul, mind and strength. He has been so patient with us and so good to us because He is trying to get us to repent and return to Him. Revelation 2: 4 & 5 warns us “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” In like manner 2 Chronicles 7: 14 implores us “If My people, which are called by My name, shall 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.”
Yes, God has blessed America. And it’s not that we haven’t had our issues and hardships, but He loved us anyway and we are recognized world-wide for opportunity and freedom and people everywhere want to come to America, not leave America. Nevertheless, we have a duty to continually try, under God’s help and direction, to make America better, to form a more perfect union. But realize this. Jesus is the only perfect One so we must make sure that our commitment and conduct is consistent with His character and not wander onto an alternate path that leads only to destruction. The so-called “evolution of man” has only led us to desire independence from God instead of dependence on God. This is flat-out wrong. And don’t let any private people, any public platform, any progressive protest, any political party or any personal passion persuade you otherwise. WE NEED GOD NOW MORE THAN EVER! Now is the time to return to and celebrate “Dependence Day” because “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118: 24)
Therefore we cannot sit by idly as many in America try to kick God out of our nation’s business in order to obtain their own independence and do what is right in their own eyes. If that is what they want to do God has given them the free will to make that choice and they will have to live with the consequences. But we, O Children of God, also have free will and we choose to always be about our Father’s business. We choose to rejoice evermore, we choose to pray without ceasing and we choose to always praise Him whether anyone else does or not because He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. As Joshua said "...but as for me and my house, we will (we choose to) serve the Lord!" (Joshua 24: 14)
SAINTS OF AMERICA, TODAY IS “DEPENDENCE DAY”, SO LET US BLESS GOD!
Live for Him in righteousness and holiness, praise Him in consecration and sanctification, worship Him in spirit and in truth!
SAINTS OF AMERICA, TODAY IS “DEPENDENCE DAY”, SO LET US BLESS GOD!
With one loud and unified voice let us proclaim the following:
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
(Psalm 103: 1 & Psalm 34: 1)
May God bless America, and by all means, may America bless God because every day is a great day to depend upon the Lord.
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