Today is Independence Day! This is a day for celebrating all things wonderful about our freedom and the land we love.  Many of you will go to the lake, swim, grill, fellowship with family and friends, and end the day by watching an awe inspiring fireworks display. All these activities are good, but we must stop and reflect. We must remember how our nation began and what set her apart from other nations.

Let's take a journey back in time to see what some prominent people had to say about our nation. "Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics."-George Washington's Farewell Address to the Nation

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not but religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."-Patrick Henry

French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"

There are many others I could have quoted in this article, but these remind me of why our country is great. We were founded upon a belief in Almighty God and His hand in leading people from tyranny to freedom. Have we lost this notion? I pray not, but things seem to be pointing in the wrong direction. It seems we are returning to tyranny rather than progressing toward greater freedom and liberty.

As you celebrate today, take a moment to pray for our nation and our leaders.  Pray  for God to raise up men and women who can lead us toward a bright and prosperous future. The darkness seems heavy at times, but we know that light dispels the darkness. How should Christians respond to all that is going on around us? Let's follow the words of Jesus: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

                                                                                                           (Matthew 5:14-16)