|
Freedom - July 4th
Tomorrow is a Red, White and Blue Day, a Patriotic day of celebration for our nation's freedom set forth on July 4th 1776 by a signing of the Declaration of Independence … declaring The United States of American, a free nation and no longer a colony of England.
I came across a devotional I thought worthy of sharing that was
written on July 2, 2016 regarding remarks of Billy Graham that reads
as follows...and is so pertinent today.
July 2, 2016
Finding Abiding Faith
Billy Graham once said that, “The secret strength of a nation is found in the faith that abides in the hearts and homes of the country.”
With the celebration of the Fourth of July in mind, Americans will look back with gratitude at the sacrifices and advancements that have made this country exceptional.
In addition to reflecting on the past, it is important to look forward and determine how we can positively influence this nation. As Christians, we ought to believe in the power of prayer and acknowledge that our country is in desperate need of a revival.
However, this revival will not start in the government, in schools or even in churches – this revival must start in our own hearts and homes.
Billy Graham wholeheartedly believed that we must place God at the center of our families. We must cultivate our faith in Christ – beginning in ourselves then in our family units – so that we will be prepared to reach a society that increasingly disagrees with or dismisses our beliefs.
On this Fourth of July holiday, gather together as a family and have a time of earnest prayer.
First,thank God for blessing this nation far more than we deserve. He has faithfully led the United States through economic issues, political crises and wars.
Secondly, pray that the United States would experience a revival and return to the Christian values this nation was founded upon. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “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.”
Finally, pray that God will strengthen your family’s faith. Ask that He will remove any fears or doubts and that He will give you clear direction as to how He wants to use you to impact this nation for His glory.
This Fourth of July holiday could be the start of a revival of the “secret strength” that our country desperately needs. Faith in Christ was the cornerstone that our nation was founded upon and faith in Christ is what this country needs today. It all starts in yourheart and home.
Our freedom today is a blessing from God. Because of our freedom, we can express our faith and boldly share it with others. It is important that we continue to recognize that, in many other parts of the world, this is not the case. The cost of following Christ is much greater for believers across the globe.
Though celebrations and festivities and fellowship with friends and family are enjoyed, it is so important that we reflect often on the blessings that we have been given. They are ones that personally affect each of us. And are liberties that were fought for and lives sacrificed for,,,,so that they could be a lasting foundation to be handed down for generations to come.
Take a few quiet minutes to reflect on the ways God has blessed you in your life. Take time to make it a goal to not take the freedoms that Christ, through his life and sacrifice has blessed us with. For our freedom is not just as a nation but God has given us freedom through his son to believe in his power, in his sovereignty, in his truth and in his goodness. Blessed are we….to live in America and be able to embrace the freedoms that God has given us.
And in closing, this is an exerp of another devotional written by Billy Graham on July 2, 2019. Three years later: A great message...
Although it is not a religious holiday like Christmas or Easter, for many Americans July 4th is a time to reflect on God’s goodness to us as a nation. Molded into the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia (which proclaimed our independence) are these words from the Bible: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10, KJV). Our legal system reflects our Judeo-Christian roots.
While we look with gratitude to the past on this July 4th, may we also look in faith to the future, and commit it and our lives to God and His will. The ancient words of the Psalmist are still true: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12)
Still, the Fourth of July would not be complete without some meaningful reflection concerning the source of our freedom. We remember the many brave men and women who currently serve in the military and those who have served our country in the past to ensure that we can live freely. Many of these individuals paid the ultimate price, giving their very lives to purchase and maintain our freedom.
Scripture speaks of another type of freedom that is just as much worth celebrating as our nation’s Independence Day. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, his blood-shed payment for our sins, we are declared free. Our victory is over death, our transgressions, and even the Devil himself.
I included these two devotional because Billy Graham’ will always be such a blessing, to those who hear his word. He speaks with clarity, conviction and compassio and e has a God given gift of sharing God’s truth, faith wisdom and love and trustworthiness.
RED, White and BLUE Blessings, Have a Happy 4th!!!!!!
“The colors are those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence. Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue… signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.” The colors instantly evoke a deep sense of patriotism in us and we deeply cherish our Stars and Stripes.
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
All past emails can be found at: Cathyjodeit.com (Contents Page)
Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for his Glory will shine through!
All past emails can be found on Cathyjodeit.com in the content page a
and there is a page for additional contact information too if needed.
| 
