Today’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 42-46
O God, we have heard it with our own ears—
our ancestors have told us
of all you did in their day,
in days long ago:
2 You drove out the pagan nations by your power
and gave all the land to our ancestors.
You crushed their enemies
and set our ancestors free.
3 They did not conquer the land with their swords;
it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory.
It was your right hand and strong arm
and the blinding light from your face that helped them,
for you loved them.
4 You are my King and my God.
You command victories for Israel.
5 Only by your power can we push back our enemies;
only in your name can we trample our foes.
6 I do not trust in my bow;
I do not count on my sword to save me.
7 You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies;
you disgrace those who hate us.
8 O God, we give glory to you all day long
and constantly praise your name. –Psalm 44:1-8
This psalm from today’s scripture reading was written about the nation of Israel, but it could just as easily be our 2012, July 4th prayer as a nation. God has done so much for our great country! We are so blessed! I am thankful for all who have sacrificed to make this nation what it is today, but it has been God who has given us favor, it has been God who has given us victory over our enemies. He deserves our praise on this anniversary of our freedom!
This past Sunday, my pastor, Phil Daniels shared a message that I immediately knew would be my July 4th post. Phil’s message takes everything we’ve read this year, especially as we’ve studied the children of Israel, kings and prophets and shows us how it relates to today’s culture and to the future of our great country.
Birthdays are a time to celebrate but they’re also a time to reflect. I pray that you will make the time watch this video and pray for our nation today.
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Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. –2 Chronicles 7:14
Heavenly Father, forgive us, show us how to return to the nation You planned for us to be, show us how to humble ourselves. Heal our land and God bless America!
In Jesus Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalms 47-49, Psalms 84-85, 87
2 Chronicles 7:14 is such an incredibly powerful passage – when I first read it, I was knocked out by “if my people who are called by my name” – called by His name! Think what our country would be like if we, as a nation, humbled ourselves, prayed, sought His face, and turned from our wicked ways. I doubt we’d have a crisis of greed, as we do now.
Dianne, thanks for having the courage to post this. I agree with the pastor that our country is headed toward a future that we can scarcely imagine. He is also correct that no political party can save us. However, as Americans we have the opportunity (at the polls in November) to express our discontent with the current state of our government. We can also continue to speak out against irresponsibility from whatever party or direction it comes. May God grant us the courage to stand firm.