Freedom Rings!
When you see “Old Glory” proudly displayed in the grand entry at the rodeo or waving at the courthouse or in front of buildings around town what does it make you think about? I don’t know about you, but I always come back to the fact that this is a nation founded by Christian men and women. This nation’s heritage is deep rooted on Christian principles. When I see the flag, I think of God and His hand on this land. I have to believe our founding fathers never intended for God not to be mentioned, or for children or teachers not to pray, or for God’s commandments not to influence the law of the land.
As I’ve shared previously, the term, “separation of church and state,” is not mentioned in the Constitution. Here is what the First Amendment to the Constitution does say:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
In other words, the government decided it was their duty to stay out of the church. It says nothing about having to keep our faith wrapped up in our pocket when we are on government property!
Have you ever heard the fourth verse to our National Anthem? How many of you even knew there is a fourth verse? It’s awesome!
So here is the fourth verse of the Star-Spangled Banner:
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
There are times when we have to stand up and fight for freedoms we enjoy in this country. And it is true, we haven’t always gotten it right, but we’re workin’ on it.
We have enjoyed freedoms like being able to worship God without the government telling us how. In a time so removed from present day, some 238 years ago, our founding fathers decided to risk their very lives by signing a document many take for granted today! They knew they would have to fight a war as a result of what they signed! And in a battle of that war, Francis Scott Key wrote all four verses to the Star-Spangled Banner. And because of those who stood and fought, and others since, I can stand before you without fear, from our government or others, and tell you the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ! I can tell you things like God loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. I can tell you if you confess Jesus as Lord, and believe it in your heart that on the third day Jesus arose from the dead, you will be saved. Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved! I can further tell you there is ONE way to come to the Father and that is a relationship with Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! There are many places on this earth you and I would be put to death for saying or writing such wonderful and amazing things.
But that’s what I think about when I see the flag and we celebrate Independence Day.
Y’all please be safe this 4th of July, but most of all, give Jesus the reigns and let Him lead!
God is good! Find a Bible believin’ church where you “fit in” and know, grow, and follow Christ! See y’all at church and keep PRAYIN’ for HIS HARVEST! Amen