Psalm 33:10-12 (New Living Translation)
The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen for his inheritance.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! (pic of my mom and dad)

On the website for the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, I found a beautiful service of Communion, which included these words:

“Almighty God, Creator of the universe, Ruler of all nations, Judge of all flesh, you have placed us, your people, in this land made rich with rivers, forests, mountains, and creatures great and small. Here you set before the founders and pioneers of this nation an opportunity beyond measure to build a realm of justice, peace, and freedom. Here you continue to call your people, freed from the law and baptized into Christ Jesus, to be a sign of your reign in all the world. For such a place, such a vision, and such a calling we give you thanks, praying we may ever join afresh the dreams you set before us as we join with your people in every land on earth and with all the company of heaven in your unceasing praise.”*

Today in the United States we celebrate the nation’s birth on July 4, 1776: with fireworks and cookouts, with family and friends… and with prayer. As Christians living in this country, we have an opportunity to demonstrate God’s unfailing grace. Through our actions and words, we can show how God’s love can transform a person — and a nation. As we read in Psalm 33, we can testify to how the Lord’s plans stand firm forever. May we increasingly become a nation whose God is the Lord! May we follow God’s will in all that we do, and may we experience the joy of God’s guidance and love. May we seek justice, freedom, and peace with gratitude and joy.

“For such a place, such a vision, and such a calling we give you thanks, praying we may ever join afresh the dreams you set before us as we join with your people in every land on earth and with all the company of heaven in your unceasing praise.”

Question:
On this Fourth of July 2014, what is your prayer for this nation? What is your prayer for all the nations of this beautiful world?**

Click here to view the text of The Declaration of Independence, which was signed on this day 238 years ago.
* Written by Hoyt Hickman and Taylor Burton-Edwards.
** For blog readers outside the US, please pray for your own nation and the nations of the world. May God continue to bless you and watch over you.