Our 234th National Birthday

We are a nation that was built on principles of opportunity that are equal to all. We had some things to work out on that principle, and we did. We may not have arrived, but socialism is not the answer.

We were a nation built on rewards for individual effort to those who take risks (both principles of capitalism). As friend, Bob Shank, points out, "Your kids, your employees, even your well-to-do neighbors are "under the influence" of voices who are singing the virtues of Socialism, in four-part harmony. If you don't draw the line in the economic sand and begin reeducating the gullible within the sound of your voice, who will?"

On this 2010 Independence Day celebrations, where does that leave us? Wandering a bit, it think.

Economic Capitalism, which derives power to build because of the principles of freedom, had it roots in Biblical Christianity. As a nation, we have lost our way in a short span of 200 years.

John Quincy Adams, himself a President and son of John Adams or 2nd President, in 1837 when he was 69 yrs old, delivered a 4th July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts.

In it, he asked some powerful questions of those gathered, the answers to which would be far different than from today's audience:

“Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?"

[comment] Our culture scoffs less than 200 years later. The birthday of the Savior has become the Holiday Season - the 4th is more about platitudes than principles of individual responsibility to govern and be governed.

“Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?"

[comment - I bet this is not taught in public schools! We have become a nation that would quickly listen to the Michael Moore's, Sean Penn's and the Hugo Chavez’s than to the thinkers and doers of our early national fathers.]

National freedom is important. Eternal freedom is vital; therefore, my prayer for this holiday:

"We acknowledge Heavenly Father, that there is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience freedom from sin and death that you have provided to all who would believe through Jesus Christ.

And because of this liberation, my heart and soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

Let us not take our freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May we always remember that our national freedom was purchased with a very high price and today, Lord, we are reminded that our nation’s continuing freedom cost others their very lives. Bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for the cause of freedom both physical and spiritual. For those who spread the Gospel both at home and abroad, and for those who are willing to die so that freedom reigns, we ask, that with heavenly favor and bounty, you meet their needs and watch over their families.

May each of us make the choice to be a blessing in someone's life and grant us the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can only be found in knowing Christ.

May our freedom be evidenced by our stewardship of the time you have given each of use, by the treasure you have given us, by the talents you have granted each.

We give these back to you.

Grant to each of us Father a keen awareness of our role as stewards, not owners of our time, talent and treasure.

May the gifts of each that we give back to you be multiplied by a heavenly arithmetic to the glory of your Name and your Kingdom on Earth.

In the name of the One who is the granter of true freedom, in the name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN."

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