Here in America, we are getting ready to celebrate a significant holiday. America is about to turn 250 years old. If you live here in America, I hope you have a beautiful day celebrating our Independence Day. I also hope that you will take the time to think about what this day means and that you will be reminded what a great privilege it is to live in this country. In case you have forgotten, may I remind you? Look around at the persecution some of the other believers across the globe are enduring and you will instantly be reminded what a privilege it is to be an American.
In America, we enjoy freedoms that many nations across the world do not. We have so many freedoms that we should be grateful for. While America may have her struggles, the truth is that we are blessed to live here. I believe the freedom to worship God is the greatest blessings we have, my friend. So many people across the globe do not have that freedom. Lately, I am saddened as I see how many people take for granted what an honor and privilege it is to be an American.
As we celebrate our freedom this year, may I ask a favor of you? Dear friend, will you take a moment to stop and say a prayer for this country? I believe our country needs a lot of prayers. I believe that our leaders need our prayers for their wisdom and guidance. “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 will forgive their sin and heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
As you celebrate this year, please take just a moment to pray for our dear country. Prayer is important and powerful. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” Proverbs 14:34. Let us join together and pray that God will draw His people to Him and for this nation to turn to Him. If we wish for America to be the great nation she was meant to be, we must humble ourselves and seek God’s face on her behalf. Revival begins with repentance and that is what our nation needs.
We need God and His Word to reign in our land. I believe God is seeking out men and women who will be willing to seek Him on behalf of their families, their communities, and this great nation. In November 1861, Julia Ward Howe wrote the poem that became known as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. Here are some of the words from the poem. “He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat: Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on.”
I believe God is sifting hearts and examining them today, looking for people with the courage to wholeheartedly follow Him and point people to Him. Proverbs 14:34 says that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Sin has been gaining ground in America, but we can choose to dedicate ourselves to seeking God’s face and choosing righteousness. George Washington said in his Thanksgiving Proclamation on October 3, 1789, that “it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” I think this sounds like great advice for us to follow. May we all challenge ourselves to do just that as we get ready to celebrate our great nation here in America.
Katrina Douglas
