Celebrating the 4th – Turning to God

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world
without God and the Bible.”
George Washington

This quote, often attributed to George Washington may or may not have actually been said by him. Whether or not, it seems that it is an accurate composite of many statements made in a variety of speeches.

We find ourselves, from time to time, being governed by people who do not adhere to God’s ways and His expressed standards. We are led by fallible people who, even if they are best intentioned, are sinners – as are you and I.

A missionary visit our church about a year ago and she cited these statistics:

• 250,000 Christians are martyred for their faith each year based on a military intelligence source.
• 171,000 Christians are martyred for their faith each year based on reporting in the magazine Christianity Today.
• Therefore during a typical church service, 30,000 people are being martyred!

Wow! If you are blessed to be a believer living in the United States, there’s a good chance that:

1. You didn’t know these statistics; and
2. You’ve been complaining a lot lately about how our country is sliding away from faith and embracing activities and lifestyles that are not consistent with God’s Word.

Yes, as a country, we have been in moral decline for many, many years. And yet, we still have more religious freedom and less persecution than most countries in the world. Perhaps we ought to be doing less complaining and more praying and repenting.

I read the book of Amos this week and was struck by how many of the judgments against Israel we are experiencing as a nation. Read Amos chapter 4 particularly and consider our weather patterns, the terrorist attacks against our nation, the wars in which we are losing brave young men and women, and the divisiveness that characterizes much of our national discourse.

I believe we are experiencing the beginning judgment of God and are drawing ever nearer to the serious judgment of God.

On this fourth of July, this day to celebrate the birth of our nation, take some time to:

1. Remember and pray for those around the world who live in countries who actively persecute those who call on the name of Christ.
2. Praise God for the blessings of this country.
3. Pray that we would return to being a nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Remember that Christ set us free to become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6). Praise God for your freedom – both from sin and for living in a free country – and step into your role as salve of righteousness or slave of God. Pray, in humility and brokenness for the United States – that we would return to God – and live in submission to God’s ways. The continuation of our nation as a place where we are free to worship the One True God is at stake. God has made it clear that it is His people who must humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their (our) wicked ways. Only then will He turn toward us, make His face to shine upon us, forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Celebrate the 4^th of July thinking about more than barbeques and parades – and enjoy both yourself, your country and your God.