Everyone please be safe this Independence Day weekend. The recent rainfall will help concerning fires, but the flooding brings about other issues. Growing crops will benefit greatly. Some folks, especially out west, are dealing with excessive heat and wildfires; while we are dealing with flooding. Let’s keep all in our prayers.
I would like to address the birthday of our country: Independence Day! Let freedom ring!
When we look at what happened in those 13 British colonies nearly 250 years ago, God’s hand was in it. But as we look to recent times, Old Glory isn’t given the respect it deserves. Our country is going through some hard times!
But what about our founding fathers? If you were to have asked the King of England or the officers in his army, they would tell you that the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence, nearly all devout Christians, had committed treason. And even though the colonists won the war, most of those 56 paid dearly in many ways for signing what they so strongly supported. They signed and fought for our freedoms!
I’ve mentioned the concept of “separation of church and state” on previous occasions. Many people are convinced this language is somehow hidden within our Constitution. IT IS NOT! The First Amendment simply states: 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 grievance.
President Jefferson did write a letter to Danbury Baptist Association stating: …I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature would "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. – Thomas Jefferson, Jan. 1. 1802
Jefferson emphasized that the government was to stay out of the church. However, note that nothing is ever said about keeping Christians or Christianity out of the government.
In 1947, the Supreme Court, in reviewing a case, said: "The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach."
But in 1962, that same 1st Amendment was suddenly turned 180 degrees to be used against itself. Separation would now mean that God and His existence would have to stay out of government, even though He breathed our nation into existence! I just don’t think that’s why 56 men gave everything they had to sign a document dated July 4, 1776. Let’s be heard!
And we continue to have national laws going into effect that go against God’s laws, and we are supposed to just accept it. We have to make a choice; for me it is simple – follow God.
It’s time to pray for our nation, it’s people, and leaders. I just can’t help but think about the verse God shared with Solomon: ...and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron.7:14 nasb) amen.
Please seek to share the love of Christ with all people! Please pray for this land, and y’all have a safe and awesome 4th of July!
Choose Jesus, choose life and let your light shine! And find a Bible believin’ church where you “fit in” and know, grow, and follow Christ! Tell others! See y’all at church and keep PRAYIN’ for HIS HARVEST! Pray for the rain! Amen!