Penned By: Erlinda Mejia Olson with David Olson💓
On Monday, 4th of July, 2011 at 7:59AM CDT
Posted on Sunday, 1st of July, 2018 at 7:04AM CDT
PSALM 33:12 ~ "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance."
It was a breath of fresh air to spend the weekend in Calgary, Alberta. We are thankful to God for the opportunity to expand our territory. But somehow, this inkling inside of us—missing home, seemed undeniable. The moment we crossed the border between Coutts, Canada and Sweet Grass, Montana, our hearts whispered, “there’s no place like home”. It was sweet indeed! We're so glad to make it on time for the July 4th celebration.
Today is Independence Day in the USA and a National Holiday. The gift of freedom so many of us enjoy has come at a high price. With this freedom and the blessings that have come through this freedom, there is also a responsibility as followers of the LORD Jesus to use our blessings of freedom for His greater glory. We looked into God's words which have spoken to our hearts, as we reflect on the goodness of God who has blessed this nation so lavishly.
We began by thanking God for this freedom. Then, praying for all nations for peace so the good news of Jesus Christ can be shared to the concept of honoring governments to remind us of our need of God, to be aware of our brothers and sisters in places where following Christ is difficult, to remind us of our ultimate hope and allegiance.
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:1-6 )
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God's servants, sent for our good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God's servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. "For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing." (Romans 13:1-6)
For the LORD's sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
"Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." ( 1 Peter 2:13-17)
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." (1 Peter 4:12-16)
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)
May God bless our world with peace, freedom, and an opportunity to learn about Jesus, who is LORD of ALL. America Bless God—God Bless America!
A BLESSED INDEPENDENCE DAY REMEMBRANCE!
HAPPY JULY 4TH CELEBRATION!
"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)
Song:
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Words and music by Irving Berlin
© Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America Fund
International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.
Used by Permission
"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
