Article: GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Friday, October 18, 2002 - 09:44 PM

GOD BLESS AMERICA!
By Patrick D. Andrews

Two hundred and twenty six years since the formal date was set for the declaration of this nations independence from England. Much has been written about our forebears and their relationship with King George III and parliament.

Last September, this nation was awakened from its complacency and her citizens (for the most part) have focused, revived, and renewed its patriotism. National flags instantly were in higher demand and displays of banners, stickers, and medallions proclaim the national sentiment--God bless America.

From that fateful day in 1776 when it all began and down through the pages of history as it effects this nation, many have been most understanding of the situation and circumstances. Some have answered the nation's call and they laid their life on the altar of freedom. Untold numbers of our nation's youth have proudly raised their hands to the oath of national defense. Simultaneously, others (politicians and predators) have tried their best to destroy the very freedoms which our forefathers fought so valiantly to ensure and thereafter defend. Still others have enjoyed their right to freely speak and they protested, chanted, and marched against those same freedoms. Regardless of where we stand politically, she is still our nation--one nation, under God.

God has empowered leaders and raised up nations to serve the several Divine purposes of His every unfolding will of love, justice, and mercy. It appears that the blessings of God is evidenced by the greatness of this nation, although everything about this nation is not great.

God assuredly favors the principles of our constitution and the declaration of right treatment for her citizens and visitors. After all the constitution is based upon His will--Love for Him and love for each other.

Our Christianity is focused on the essential ability to live in this world in preparation for our life in the next. 1 Timothy 2:1-5 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

In God We Trust--it's etched into monuments and struck into our coins. It's the basis of any great nation or individual. We must do what we can when we can to help this nation understand her relationship to and with God. It's a relationship that is essential if there is any realistic expectation for God to bless America.

News is gathered from the papers, magazines, and airwaves. We must not only understand the woeful condition of our economics, politics, morals, and religion, but be willing to step forward with an answer to the national need. We hold the solution in our hearts, souls and minds. We can be the best Christian example to all who see us, hear us, and know us.

Examples are the result of planning and execution rather than happenstance! Our first action of spiritual planning must be done on our knees--pray a lot. That is/was the Apostle's point. Pray for our leaders. Give honor where honor is due and praise where praise is due. Pray for the president, his administration, our elected representatives, and fellow constituents.

Our national enemies are not necessarily in some cave in the recess of some Southwestern Asian desert. Many of them are closer than you think. We are at odds against the "isms" of this world--atheism--communism--materialism--hedonism--humanism--evolution(ism). The greatest enemy of God and His people is Satan. Therefore, a nation that Trusts in God must also have the same worst enemy--Satan. Satan is willing to do anything to destroy our trust and obedience in God.

The only solution to the national and world problem of godlessness and the ever increasing departure from God is to preach and teach God's truths as God gave them. We must practice what we preach. We must preach what God has given us and we must do it to the best of our abilities. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Every nation includes the USA.

When America sins, she must be rebuked. With the love of God in your heart and soul, preach to your neighbors, friends, and your loved ones. Preach the message of repentance. Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Let's try to live for the Lord and let's pray that God will bless America. We have so much for which we should be thankful. God has the power to make America a better place. There's salvation in the message that God gave through His only begotten Son. When the celebration begins, bow your head, lift up your heart, and offer God thanks that He has chosen you as a worthy proclaimer of the truth.