Patriotism: July 4, 2011

JULY 4 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY JULY 4, 2011.

PATRIOTISM

DEFINITION:

Devoted, love, support and defense of one’s country.

SCRIPTURE:

But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Today is the 235th anniversary of the official founding of the United States of America. Our forefathers, who were the signers of the Declaration of Independence, were patriots who were willing to give their lives in the fight to obtain freedom from the British. They had a cause, they were united and they were willing to sacrifice to be successful.

The freedom we enjoy here in America came at a heavy cost. The courage and patriotism of all those who have put their lives on the line for all of us, both in the past and in the present, should inspire patriotic loyalty to our country.

The heart of the foundation of America was the faith our founding fathers had in God. They built this country on Judeo/Christian principles and God honored them for their faith.

Over these 235 years there have been great changes, especially over the last few years. It could be said that America is no longer a nation that honors God. What has happened to prayer in the schools and in government? What has happened to the standards and beliefs of our leaders? What has happened to honesty and integrity in our government?

Our country is far from perfect, but fortunately, for believers, this world is only our temporary home. We have a better country to look forward to (read the above verse from Hebrews). God paid a heavy cost to give us our heavenly home. He sent His only Son to die on the cross to give us freedom from eternal death so that we could spend eternity with Him in the heavenly country He is preparing for us.

It is our challenge today, no matter what country we live in, to be loyal and courageous in our faith in our “Heavenly Country” and our Lord. We are not to be ashamed of our faith knowing that our God is preparing a city, with a home for us, in our heavenly country.

Patriotism may come and go in this world. Events and situations will affect the patriotism of many people but our patriotism to our Lord and heavenly country should never waver. Our trust and patriotism will grow in the Lord as we put our complete trust in Him. Our foundation for our belief in God, our saving faith, is the infallible Word of God.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in I Corinthians 13:4:

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.

PRAYER:

We thank You for the freedom we have to worship You in spirit and in truth. May our patriotism to our heavenly country and, more importantly, to our Lord be strengthened daily. May we be courageous and bold in defending our faith to all that we walk with and talk with today.