This weekend our country celebrated the most patriotic holiday of the year. At least once a year the people turn their attention to the freedoms we have in America that are unequalled anywhere else in the world.
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We, who are believers in the Lord, need not be worried or downcast during these troubled times. I have taken the liberty to paraphrase 2 Chronicles 7:13 and 14. "If I, who am called by Your name, humble myself, pray, and seek Your face and turn from my wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, forgive my sin and heal my land." We all have the responsibility to stay on the path of God's righteous ways and He will send peace and revival to America. It is evident that God's healing hand is needed in today's culture. Psalm 33:12 says, "Blessed is the nation whose [G]od is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance." Psalm 46:1 states that 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," and Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth." What wonderful promises!
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Many have put their faith in their possessions, themselves, government or wealth, and now see those things toppling away. Psalm 37:34 reminds us to "Wait on the Lord and keep His way and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land." Dependence on yourself and things brings defeat. Dependence on the Lord brings victory! There is a close connection between our freedom and our faith. They are definitely intertwined.
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It is always fun to feast on hot dogs and burgers and top it off with the thrill of watching the night sky light up with fireworks. But this is only an ANNUAL event. Let us take God's word seriously and pray for our own hearts, our country, and its leaders DAILY. Remember that our spiritual freedom as well as our physical freedom come only from the God of the universe.
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"Will Thou not revive us again, that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"
Psalm 85:6
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"Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land."
Psalm 85:9
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"Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase."
Psalm 85:12
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Prayer:
Father God, thank You for my freedom. I want You to be my focus - not riches, a job, my home - only You. Please guide our country back to You. Bring revival in our capital and let it filter down to all of the states. America can only be great when she is living in Your Light. Amen.
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Challenge:
This week keep in mind that all freedom and peace comes from the Lord, not your husband's job or the amount of money you have in the bank. When things get scary and uncertain praise God that He is the One who holds our lives and eternity in the palm of His hand.
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Granny Witt 2009
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