Thursday, July 4, 2013
Psalm 107:1, 8-9 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever ... Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GRACE SHED ON AMERICA (1)
How blessed we are to live in the United States of America. The Lord has showered our nation with many blessings of His love through our history of 237 years. Take a moment today to reflect on His goodness and to offer a prayer of thanks.
What are some of His blessings? Think what it would be like to live in a country where no stable government exists. Chaos and confusion would reign in our streets! We couldn't feel safe walking outside or traveling anywhere. Think what it would be like to be ruled by a ruthless dictator. How difficult it would be to lead peaceful, quiet lives in godliness and reverence. Then, too, no country has been blessed with more natural resources, material prosperity, and more opportunity for people to succeed and enjoy a comfortable standard of living.
One of the most precious of God's blessings to us Americans (we pray it will continue) is the right to practice our faith without fear of government intervention or the threat of being imprisoned or worse. We may proclaim the Gospel without fear of reprisal. We may build churches where we can gather weekly to worship our Savior and support the work of His kingdom. We may operate Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, day schools, high schools, colleges, and seminaries where our children and youth can hear the Good News of Jesus and be strengthened in their walk of Christian discipleship on their way to their heavenly fatherland.
The nation Thou hast blest May well Thy love declare,
From foes and fears at rest, Protected by Thy care.
For this fair land, For this bright day,
Our thanks we pay-- Gifts of Thy hand.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 575:2)
