Blessed independence day

We are so blessed to have been born and to live in the greatest nation on earth, which was founded 245 years ago on July 4th. I say "blessed" Independence Day, because we are indeed blessed to live in the freest, most generous, God-fearing nation on this planet.

In addition, America did not happen by accident; it was formed by design.

America does not have a perfect past, but, please tell me which nation does? All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

America, more than any nation that I know of, has tried (and in many cases succeeded) in righting the wrongs of the past.

So, I say may God continue to bless and keep this blessed nation.

I'd like to share with you a quote from Benjamin Franklin, one of our Founding Fathers:

"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor...And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: "that God governs in the affairs of man". And if the sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? For we have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in the political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war or conquest. I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business." (Hat tip to Maria of our prayer group for sharing this quote.)