250TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

In this coming Saturday (July 4), we are going to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. It was on July 4, 1776, in the Pennsylvania State House, that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British rule. The reason that the American colonies decided to become independent from British rule was that they wanted to have religious freedom and that all people have the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Under British rule, the Anglican church, which the king of England governed, was the state church. The Bible-believing Christians who separated themselves from the Anglican church were persecuted because the Anglican church considered them a threat to the religious and social order. When the American settlers came to America, they enjoyed their religious freedom. Eventually, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman authored and signed the United States Constitution, establishing the moral standard for the nation. 

One of the reasons that God blessed America is that we believe in the true living God. Although this nation is not perfect, God blesses us with freedom to worship Him and have the opportunity to be what we want to be. Many nations in the world do not have the blessings that we have as a nation. As a result, millions of people want to come to America. However, we need to pray for our nation because many people, including elected officials, are against our religious freedom. They want to control the church in what it can do. Let us pray that God will preserve our religious freedom to pray in public, share the gospel openly, and be able to read the Bible anywhere. Let us pray that all believing Christians and churches will be bold to stand up for our Lord Jesus Christ to make a difference. Also, as we celebrate the 4th of July, let us thank God for the men and women who fought for our freedom as a nation. Let us not forget the sacrifices that they made to protect our freedom. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Let us be thankful for our nation. It is not perfect, but it is still the greatest nation in the world. Let us thank God for our religious freedom and let us continue to pray that God will protect our religious freedom.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Am I thankful for this nation? Why am I thankful for this nation? What can I do to help preserve the religious freedom of this nation? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for the United States of America. I am thankful that I am a citizen of this great nation. I pray that you will preserve the religious freedom of the United States of America. I pray for the elected officials who do not believe in you to come to believe in you. And those who believe in you, I pray that you will guide them to make godly decisions. We give you all the glory, honor, and praise. Thank you for the 250th anniversary of this great nation. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.