1. We are so blessed to live where we do.
It seems like our country is getting worse by the day, and since we are drifting from God, I’d probably have to agree with that. But our country still has lots of good. I don’t think there’s any other place I’d want to live on earth. I have the freedom to write this blog. I went to church on Sunday without any problems. We have some incredible opportunities in this country. I agree with those who say America has been blessed more than any other nation.
I’m so thankful for the freedom we have. It is a great thing, but like pretty much everything, you can take advantage of it and use it the wrong way. God gives us free will, but we’re going to choose the wrong things. Look at what we’re doing with our rights today. We’re legalizing gay marriage, abortion, and more. I’ve definitely made wrong choices, so we need to repent. Which leads me to the next point.
2. Our country needs prayers.
We need to pray that we become one nation under God again, for godly leaders, for our leaders to make good choices according to what God says is good, for safety, for our rights, and that’s just the basics. Where there is freedom and blessings, people can get greedy and arrogant. And our country is pretty much exactly that. We keep trying to get more things to be legal, and the worst part is, the things we want are sinful. But do we care? Apparently not. We are totally turning our backs on God and going our own way. That is a dangerous path to take.
So we need to pray. God hears the prayers of His people (Psalm 34:17).
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
3. This home is only temporary.
Modern Christians that don’t do anything to pursue Jesus like I talk about here are wasting their lives. They’re doing all these things for THIS life not realizing that one day this life is going to be absolutely nothing. I believe we need to have an abundant life here and still work hard, but don’t get too comfy.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
4. Jesus is our hope.
With that being said, don’t place your hope in anything but Jesus. I’ve been there, placing my hope in things of the world, done that, and it doesn’t work. Your family is going to die and betray you. The world is going to end, and there goes our country. Friends will betray you. Beauty fades. Popularity fades. Money fades. Now that I’ve depressed you…. Run to Jesus. It’s not bad to have those things or enjoy them, but Jesus needs to be the center of your life. The hope.
I pray that you all have a safe and fun 4th of July! It’s not a sin to enjoy the freedom of our country, or the cute patriotic clothes we’re wearing, or the fun times with our family, but just make sure you know it is all fleeting except for Jesus and his promises. That is an amazing thing to cling to, though. I’ll leave you with some of those promises. Oh and leave me tips for getting good pictures of fireworks!!!
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
