United We Stand – Divided We Fall

What has happened to patriotism, God and country, the pledge of allegiance to our flag and, “one nation under God”, and, with a hand over our heart, standing up to sing with honor, our National Anthem? But, rather than dwelling on the good old days, I am hopeful for good new days of true appreciation for freedom and love for our country.

What has happened to patriotism, God and country, the pledge of allegiance to our flag and, “one nation under God”, and, with a hand over our heart, standing up to sing with honor our National Anthem? But, rather than dwelling on the good old days, I am hopeful for good new days of true appreciation for freedom and love for our country.

Those words seem almost impossible, don’t they? But, not so, “with God – ALL things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). He has brought America from worse times than these. Maybe, you and I were set apart to be here during this time for God’s divine purpose that is renewed every day that we remain on the planet. Part of that purpose involves our place in the world.

It’s time to declare our dependence on God and each other like never before. Only HE can UNITE us in love and peace. Our Founding Fathers came seeking a new life but faced horrendous challenges. America's beginning was turbulent with economic pressures, wars, diversity, cultural challenges and crime. But God sees the end from the beginning. He knew the strength of the people who would become part of this land. They risked their lives and shed their blood for our future.

Though these are also turbulent times, I contend that our United States of America is still the greatest nation in the world. Whether we agree with each other or not, it still stands. I believe it is so because it still has a divine purpose. God is not through with America. As the "land of the free and the home of the brave," it's time to look beyond our own little circles and expand our vision toward the bigger picture. It's not just about "me and mine" anymore. It must be a UNITED effort at home and abroad.
We read in Scripture that "God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Jesus did not stay in the security of His Father's house, but left it to fulfill His home and global mandate. He expects us to do the same. He said: "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:18-20).

God's kingdom is made up of all peoples and so is our nation. Our nation has a unique purpose, and you and I have a purpose in it. As people of God, we have a responsibility to fulfill that purpose. We are a melting-pot of many nations, peoples, tribes, colors, languages and creeds. We are not blind to these challenging times, but most encouraging is the opportunity to share God's great love to all mankind. The gospel is a unifier and is a catalyst for love, understanding, and harmony. We can reach out with the love of God, carry His presence and be used to heal, deliver, set people free and bring the good news of His forgiveness and eternal life.

The mission has come to our doorsteps. We must stand in the gap and pray for our nation to be all it can be and for our leaders, whether we like them or not. The Bible doesn't tell us to pray for the leaders we like, but for all those who have authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1-3). May we continue to celebrate our freedoms and thank God that we can fulfill His purpose in this "land of the free and home of the brave." Right here. Right now.

God Bless America – Land of the Free – Home of the Brave

Happy 4th of July aka Independence Day! And, it's Happy Birthday, America Party Day -- the birth of Democracy! You're looking good, America, to be 243 years old! And what a way to celebrate -- with fireworks, parades, concerts, family get-togethers and barbecues!

Others will celebrate by staying at home with life-as-usual. For some, it may be to tune in to the evening news because, after all, we must see the latest political entertainment. I keep hoping and praying people will settle down and learn to respect each other – to “do unto others as they would have others do unto them”. I wonder if our forefathers had this kind of “independence” in mind when they crafted the Declaration of Independence. That historical moment occurred as a result of wise, committed leaders and followers pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to establish a foundation where a nation and its people could build their families and future. It came as the result of those seeking the right to worship the living Creator God without restraint from any earthly power, and the right of all citizens to pursue their hopes and dreams with liberty while exercising personal responsibility.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Don’t you love that excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? Democracy was born on this day 243 years ago on July 4th, 1776. Just think of those freedoms that we have that we take so lightly. No wonder thousands leave their homeland in the quest to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave”. I know immigration laws had to be created because of abuses, but, don’t we need to thank God that we were either born here or were able to immigrate here? Isn't it time we show our gratitude and appreciation to be Americans?

Think about it. This country became prosperous and strong on the backs of immigrants who were yearning to breathe free. This country has always been a beacon of hope, liberty, and freedom. No wonder so many desire to live here. All over the world people dream of a “home” where the government protects them and not abuses them; where people are not punished for what they think or say or write.

The future of freedom is in our hands and rests on our shoulders. Freedom must not die on our watch. If it does, it will be by our own hand because people who claim faith in God remain uninformed, indifferent, and uninvolved. We will have handed freedom over to the destroyer of life and liberty. God forgive us if we do! By prayerfully and boldly uniting together we can celebrate the rebirth of freedom rather than witness the death of it. The future is in our hands. Now is the time to stand up and be counted!

My hope this 4th of July is that we all stop to appreciate our freedoms. I hope and pray that we all begin to think about how we can work together to solve problems, be a part of the solution, not part of the political divide, and promote respect and dignity for all. Remember, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." I wish you all a happy and healthy Independence Day!