“What To Do Before The Fireworks”

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!” Psalm 33:12

Early in May each year the President declares a certain day as the National Day of Prayer. He calls people of all faiths to pray for him, the Congress, the Supreme Court, and our states and local leaders. I support praying for our country and its leaders. This year there was a furor over the National Day of prayer and who should participate. As Christians, we should always be in prayer for our nation and its leaders. I’ve always felt that the Fourth of July should be a day of special prayer as well. There’s no better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than to pray.

Patriotism has not gone out of style. God calls us to be loyal citizens. Our task is not to prove we are bigger and stronger or better than other nations, but to be all that God has called the United States to be. He has an unfinished agenda for us. We haven’t licked the problems of poverty, homelessness, illiteracy, dope and drugs, crime, Aids, oil spills, and the growing lack of integrity and basic honesty in our country. We need to pray for our nation and do all within our power to live up to our potential in Him. The calling of every Christian is to be a minister. This means introducing others to Jesus Christ as Savior, but it also means social responsibility. We have to pray for guidance-for God to show us as a Church and as individuals the needs in which He wants us to be involved. When He lays a need or burden upon your heart respond by filling that need and trying to lift that burden.

On the Fourth of July a good question to ask is, “If everyone lived out his or her faith as a citizen the way I do, what kind of a country would we have?” So few could respond, “Great!” Most would have to say they’ve left the burden on someone else’s shoulders. So before the fireworks start, before you celebrate our wonderful nation’s 234 birthday, take time for concentrated prayer for your country , its leaders and the horrific problems we still face in our future. When “God bless America” runs through your mind, add the words “God bless America THROUGH ME!”

Remember the challenge of Joshua to the people of Israel way back in the Old Testament still is true for us Christians today. “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 forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14. Have a blessed Fourth of July and a fun-filled summer.

Pastor Bob

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