“Look! I’m making all things new.” Revelation 21:5

Dear Friends:

Happy Independence Day! This morning during 7:00 a.m. Wednesday drive by prayers, we read the lessons appointed for Independence Day. Micah 4:1-5; Psalm 33; James 5:7-10 and Revelation 21:1-7 and Psalm 33. We were reminded that the Lord our God loves righteousness and justice and overrules what the nations plan. Our Lord will settle disputes of mighty nations; therefore, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God. But scripture writes, we must be patient, for a new heaven and a new earth is coming. God is dwelling with humankind. God will make all things new.

I imagine those 242 years ago, as our founding fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence, freeing the thirteen colonies from England, forming us as the United States of America, they too carried deep within their hearts and souls and minds, the promise that God will make all things new. Consequently, throughout the years, Independence Day has been commemorated as a day of celebration. Signer, John Adams, and later President, said of Independence Day, it is “to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty…solemnized with pomp and parades, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

History tells us our independence was actually voted on by Congress on July 2. It was two days later before the thirteen colonies actually adopted the Declaration of Independence. To add to the celebration, the actually signing of the document was not affixed until August 2, 1776. Consequently, I imagine this allows for several days of observance. So, we celebrate and give thanks to God who is the giver of all good things…for the natural majesty and beauty of this land…for the great resources of our nation…for those brave and courageous women and men who make our country strong, lighting the torch of liberty for all people from every land. And, we pray (p. 839 Book of Common Prayer) “Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.”

We are a blessed country to live with independence. As we walk in the name of the Lord our God, let us celebrate our freedom and find strength and courage to fight for the independence of all those whose liberty far too often is not granted.

See you with Sunday worship at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. We’re continuing with The David Series III, as David, anointed by God, is now throned. As well, we’ll be commissioning our Haiti team. Please keep Susan Buckner, Morgan Buckner, Lindsay Jones, Maddie Hsieh and me in your prayers for a safe mission experience as we reunite with our friends in Pignon through Promise for Haiti.

Happy Independence!

Blessings,

Hillary