Praise God for this country we get to call home! Boldly standing for righteousness was what gave this nation its independence, and so many freedoms have been enjoyed as a result! Happy 250th birthday, America!
“Whether this [independence] will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings, which a gracious God hath bestowed on us.
If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable.
Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.”
~ Patrick Henry [emphasis added]
We are grateful for the freedom in our country, but it is not something to be taken lightly. As Patrick Henry pointed out, it is up to us: how are we using the blessings and freedom that our gracious God has bestowed on us?
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him: for He is thy life, and the length of thy days:” (Deut. 30:19-20)
May the independence that God gave our nation 250 years ago prove to be a blessing! Let us wisely use our freedom as a blessing in the lives of those around us—speaking life by pointing them to Jesus, helping them choose His life, and letting His righteousness exalt our nation!
“They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom.” (Psalm 145:11-12)
Quote taken from America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations by William J. Federer page 289
Finally, a car parked at the fireworks stand where my youngest brother and I were. Clearly, more than once, the Holy Spirit spoke to me that I needed to go TO the car and give her tracts before she made it over to the fireworks.
I thought, “This is kind of awkward. I don’t want to make a big show of going to her before she’s even made it to the booth for her purchase.”
Thankfully, the Lord gave me plenty of time to obey, as she got one child out, then went to the other side and got another child out! So I went over and offered millions for her children, which she readily accepted, and gave her one for “all of the money she would be spending on fireworks.”
As I headed up toward the counter, Elijah met me and explained, “He said not to pass these out here.”
So I asked the man who I’d thought was the only other customer there, if he was selling the fireworks, and was requesting us not to hand tracts to people at their stand. He confirmed the request.
God knew how important it was for me to reach that mother and her children, and to do it before we heard otherwise! He knows EVERYTHING!!! To God be the glory!!
Not to forget, Jesus’ Word remains faithful every moment we’re on earth as His ambassadors: “I know thy works: behold, I HAVE SET BEFORE THEE AN OPEN DOOR, and NO MAN CAN SHUT IT: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” ~Revelation 3:8
The point being, somehow, somewhere, that door is open to share the Good News! (2 Corinthians 2:14.)
~ Mary
As we loaded up to join another brother-sister pair, I texted a friend to specifically pray for God to open the right doors.
When we got to their station, things were going well, with God’s favor evident.
Elijah got a chance to hand tracts out while Anna and I spent some time praying.
Just then, a couple of families came from another parking lot toward the fireworks stand, walking right by the two of us. God had opened the door for us in direct answer to prayer! We gave millions, which were received by all. What a special treat to have this opportunity drop in our lap as we prayed!
Later, David told me this funny part to the story:
A guy came up and said, “Did you get your million yet? My family made these. No, just kidding. Are those your sisters over there?”
He was one of the dads we had just given tracts to and has a sense of humor. 🙂
~ Mary
A Dad and daughter came up to the fireworks stand where my brother and I were handing out 250th tracts. I gave the girl, who was around 10 or 11, a tract then offered one to her Dad. He kindly refused by saying “She already has one, that’s good enough.” Later I saw the girl reading the tract, and I had the sense that she is open and her heart is ready. Please pray that today would be the day of salvation for her and that the seed that was sown would not be taken away, and that her Dad and other family members would also get saved.
~ Anna B.