Today we celebrate our nation’s independence. All over America families will gather to watch parades, grill burgers, and enjoy our families in the mid-summer sun. When darkness falls the sky will explode with colorful light all over this wonderful land. I am glad to be an American today. In my life I know I will never get to see all I would like to see of our country.
There are thousands of young Americans in foreign lands this Independence Day trying to insure our continued freedom and help others who are struggling for the same. Their lives are in danger. They should be in our prayers today. Within our own land there are many confusing and critical voices, but most Americans seem to agree that we need help to turn our economy around. The Bible is not silent on the matter of what makes a nation successful. It is the blessing of God.
No amount of money, no financial rearrangement can substitute for the blessing of God on our nation. Do you ever remember slowly and thoughtfully reading Deuteronomy 28? Today maybe you could find a few quiet minutes under a shade tree to open your Bible to Deuteronomy 28 and read the promises and the warnings to the nation of Israel.
Let’s all spend a few minutes considering what it would mean to our country to have the blessing of God once again. After the fireworks breathe prayer for our country and the brave people who are defending it tonight.
Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God.. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Pastor Ken Pierpont
Campton, Kentucky
July 4, 2008