Patriotism: June 14, 2013

TODAY’S WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 14, 2013.

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:

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.

Soon after the founding of America it was decided to have a flag that clearly showed the makeup of America. It began with 13 stars, each star representing one of the 13 American colonies. When America became a nation each star on our flag represented a state. Today we have 50 states thus 50 stars in our flag. The 13 stripes represented the 13 colonies as well.

Congress set aside one day a year for Americans to honor the flag. That day is June 14. That is why today is known as flag day. Many homes across America will hang a flag in front of their home on flag day serving as a reminder of the freedom we have in America.

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 years there have been great changes in America, 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? They are things of the past.

Our country is a free nation although 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 toward 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 Romans 8:14:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

PRAYER:

We thank You for the freedom we have to worship You in spirit and in truth. May our patriotism to our 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.