In Psalm 144:15, David wrote, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Truly America is the most blessed nation on the face of the earth. Even with all our problems and challenges, difficulties and disappointments, America continues to be the single most blessed nation on earth. Why? One primary reason: Almighty God.
But you wouldn’t know it if you've been watching the news lately.
Remember the day we experienced the most deadly terrorist attack on American soil in our nation’s history ... September 11, 2001? Remember that horrifying day, 21 years ago, and the impact it had upon our nation? If you take a moment to reflect, you’ll remember a different America than the one being portrayed in the media and being betrayed by so many of our present politicians and pundits.
Let me declare as loudly and boldly as I can, I’m proud to be an American! Sure, we’ve got our detractors. There are those who despise us and those who chastise us. But I’m still proud to be an American!
There are those who hate America and those who want us to forget our nation’s foundations and the faith of our forefathers. Unbelievably, there are even those who want to burn our flag and try to bury our future. I say to those individuals, get a one-way ticket on the next flight out and don’t bother coming back. It’s the absolute height of hypocrisy to enjoy our freedoms, benefit from our blessings, reap the rewards of the sacrifices of others and then, take shots at this great country.
There are many reasons why I love this great country called America.
One, because of our PAST. 53 of the 56 men who crafted our Constitution indicated an adherence to orthodox Christianity and personal support of what the Bible taught. In fact, some of those same men were responsible for establishing the American Bible Society, The American Tract Society and The Philadelphia Bible Society. The founders of our nation were not neutral toward Christianity and most certainly were not hostile towards Christianity. America was founded by people who were passionate about worshipping God. That passion still exists despite what you might have heard from the media or from the vocal minority who are desperately trying to rid America of any influence from God, the Bible or Jesus Christ.
Two, because of our PRINCIPLES. We’ve been a great nation because we were founded on the greatest principles of all time — the Word of God. All of our country’s original documents were based upon Scripture. For example, did you know the separation of governmental powers was taken from Isaiah 33:22, “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; it is he who will save us.” From that verse our forefathers established the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government.
Three, because of our PEOPLE. We have the greatest people on the planet. No other nation can boast the diversity of people who make up the United States of America. What other country has produced individuals like Billy Graham, Zig Ziglar, Mary Kay Ash, Colin Powell, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Michael Jordan, James and Shirley Dobson, Condoleezza Rice, Sam Walton, Truett Cathy, Bill and Gloria Gaither, and so many more.
Sure we’ve got O.J., Robert Blake, Charlie Sheen, Casey Anthony, Warren Jeffs, Harvey Weinstein and numerous other fruits and frosted flakes. But by and large America is full of the greatest people on earth, and our welcome mat is still out to every person in the world. Our Statue of Liberty welcomes everyone to our shores with these words: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
Four, because of our PLACES. No other nation has the natural beauty and abundant resources America has. From the Rockies to the Smokies and beyond, our magnificent, majestic mountain ranges, endless miles of mesmerizing beaches and numerous natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, the mighty Mississippi and so much more. This country is definitely America the beautiful.
Five, because of our PRIVILEGES. We are the most privileged nation on earth. If you don’t believe it, take a trip anywhere in the world. When you get home you’ll agree. We have the greatest privileges and freedoms of any nation on earth. Do you realize how wonderful it is to live in a democracy where you have the right to vote? We have the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms and the right to a public assembly. There aren’t barriers keeping us from leaving our cities and states, no armed guards lining the roads. We have the freedom to do almost anything we want, almost any time we want to do it, and we don’t live with the fear most nations have to live with on a daily basis.
Six, because of our PERSEVERANCE. Unlike other countries and cultures who wimp out when the challenges get too tough, the price too high, and the work too demanding ... Americans have never given up and never will! Our first president, George Washington, didn’t give up and now, over 230 years later, in spite of difficult days and trying times, we’re still not giving up! We’ve had more than our fair share of setbacks like The Civil War, Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, and September 11. But each time, we’ve bounced back stronger, more resolute, and more determined than before. There’s not a nefarious nation, devilish dictator or insane insurgent who is any match for the United States of America.
Seven, because of our POSSIBILITIES. The sky’s the limit in America. You know why? Because nothing is impossible with God. Our country has had our hands in God’s hands for all these years and that has been the secret to our success. People still believe the greatest dream in the world is the American dream. In this wonderful country, you can become anything you want if you’re willing to work hard at it. The possibilities for anyone are absolutely mind-boggling, because this is a country that encourages her people to be their best, do their best and achieve whatever their minds can conceive. The last four letters in American are I CAN! If we keep our eyes on Jesus, our feet planted firmly on the Bible, and our faith in God, there is absolutely nothing we can’t accomplish individually and as a nation.
Eight, because of our PROVISION. America has 5% of the world’s population, yet 40% of the world’s wealth. But America has never been stingy. America is a nation of perpetual generosity. Without question we are the most generous nation on earth. There is no rival to America’s heart and America’s hand when it comes to helping others. We are always the first to respond and the last to leave when other nations are hurting or have asked for our help. America has always given and continues to give to help others. That’s the American way!
Nine, because of our PROTECTION. We have the most phenomenal armed forces in the world. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard are the best trained, best equipped, best performing, most effective soldiers who have ever lived. They are courageous, yet compassionate. Fearless, yet fair. Tough, yet tenderhearted. You and I can sleep at night without fear because there are soldiers who don’t sleep, protecting our freedoms here at home and across the world. It’s no accident so many other nations have asked America to protect them as well — which we have done for free for many years, in many cases.
Ten, because of our PATRIOTISM. The vast majority of Americans are undeniable patriots who would give up everything they’ve got: their kids, their cash, everything they have, everything they care about, even their own lives, to defend our freedoms. Sure, there are a few who won’t stand with our troops abroad or here at home because of their own self-serving, self-preserving agendas. But the overwhelming majority of people here in this country love America. Very few can sing God Bless America or put their hand over their heart during the National Anthem without getting a lump in their throat, because we know our freedoms aren’t free. Someone paid a price for our privileges.
Eleven, because of our PROMISE. What country holds the promise America holds? What country has the ability to help so many and do so much? What country has the capability of leading the world morally, financially and spiritually? Even with all the challenges before us, America has the most promise of any nation on earth. But our promise depends upon God’s providential blessing.
The tallest monument in Washington, D.C. is The Washington Monument. There’s no building taller than that monument. From the top of that magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors can take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its’ division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant … a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., are displayed two words: “Laus Deo.” No one can see these words. They are only visible from above. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, facing skyward, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
“Laus Deo!” Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. But purposefully and very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is considered the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
Construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States. In 1888 the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took 25 years to finally cap the memorial with two words in Latin, composed of just four syllables and seven letters. What do they mean?
Very simply they say, “Praise be to God!”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
Blessings,
Pastor David
But you wouldn’t know it if you've been watching the news lately.
Remember the day we experienced the most deadly terrorist attack on American soil in our nation’s history ... September 11, 2001? Remember that horrifying day, 21 years ago, and the impact it had upon our nation? If you take a moment to reflect, you’ll remember a different America than the one being portrayed in the media and being betrayed by so many of our present politicians and pundits.
Let me declare as loudly and boldly as I can, I’m proud to be an American! Sure, we’ve got our detractors. There are those who despise us and those who chastise us. But I’m still proud to be an American!
There are those who hate America and those who want us to forget our nation’s foundations and the faith of our forefathers. Unbelievably, there are even those who want to burn our flag and try to bury our future. I say to those individuals, get a one-way ticket on the next flight out and don’t bother coming back. It’s the absolute height of hypocrisy to enjoy our freedoms, benefit from our blessings, reap the rewards of the sacrifices of others and then, take shots at this great country.
There are many reasons why I love this great country called America.
One, because of our PAST. 53 of the 56 men who crafted our Constitution indicated an adherence to orthodox Christianity and personal support of what the Bible taught. In fact, some of those same men were responsible for establishing the American Bible Society, The American Tract Society and The Philadelphia Bible Society. The founders of our nation were not neutral toward Christianity and most certainly were not hostile towards Christianity. America was founded by people who were passionate about worshipping God. That passion still exists despite what you might have heard from the media or from the vocal minority who are desperately trying to rid America of any influence from God, the Bible or Jesus Christ.
Two, because of our PRINCIPLES. We’ve been a great nation because we were founded on the greatest principles of all time — the Word of God. All of our country’s original documents were based upon Scripture. For example, did you know the separation of governmental powers was taken from Isaiah 33:22, “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; it is he who will save us.” From that verse our forefathers established the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government.
Three, because of our PEOPLE. We have the greatest people on the planet. No other nation can boast the diversity of people who make up the United States of America. What other country has produced individuals like Billy Graham, Zig Ziglar, Mary Kay Ash, Colin Powell, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Michael Jordan, James and Shirley Dobson, Condoleezza Rice, Sam Walton, Truett Cathy, Bill and Gloria Gaither, and so many more.
Sure we’ve got O.J., Robert Blake, Charlie Sheen, Casey Anthony, Warren Jeffs, Harvey Weinstein and numerous other fruits and frosted flakes. But by and large America is full of the greatest people on earth, and our welcome mat is still out to every person in the world. Our Statue of Liberty welcomes everyone to our shores with these words: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
Four, because of our PLACES. No other nation has the natural beauty and abundant resources America has. From the Rockies to the Smokies and beyond, our magnificent, majestic mountain ranges, endless miles of mesmerizing beaches and numerous natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, the mighty Mississippi and so much more. This country is definitely America the beautiful.
Five, because of our PRIVILEGES. We are the most privileged nation on earth. If you don’t believe it, take a trip anywhere in the world. When you get home you’ll agree. We have the greatest privileges and freedoms of any nation on earth. Do you realize how wonderful it is to live in a democracy where you have the right to vote? We have the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms and the right to a public assembly. There aren’t barriers keeping us from leaving our cities and states, no armed guards lining the roads. We have the freedom to do almost anything we want, almost any time we want to do it, and we don’t live with the fear most nations have to live with on a daily basis.
Six, because of our PERSEVERANCE. Unlike other countries and cultures who wimp out when the challenges get too tough, the price too high, and the work too demanding ... Americans have never given up and never will! Our first president, George Washington, didn’t give up and now, over 230 years later, in spite of difficult days and trying times, we’re still not giving up! We’ve had more than our fair share of setbacks like The Civil War, Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, and September 11. But each time, we’ve bounced back stronger, more resolute, and more determined than before. There’s not a nefarious nation, devilish dictator or insane insurgent who is any match for the United States of America.
Seven, because of our POSSIBILITIES. The sky’s the limit in America. You know why? Because nothing is impossible with God. Our country has had our hands in God’s hands for all these years and that has been the secret to our success. People still believe the greatest dream in the world is the American dream. In this wonderful country, you can become anything you want if you’re willing to work hard at it. The possibilities for anyone are absolutely mind-boggling, because this is a country that encourages her people to be their best, do their best and achieve whatever their minds can conceive. The last four letters in American are I CAN! If we keep our eyes on Jesus, our feet planted firmly on the Bible, and our faith in God, there is absolutely nothing we can’t accomplish individually and as a nation.
Eight, because of our PROVISION. America has 5% of the world’s population, yet 40% of the world’s wealth. But America has never been stingy. America is a nation of perpetual generosity. Without question we are the most generous nation on earth. There is no rival to America’s heart and America’s hand when it comes to helping others. We are always the first to respond and the last to leave when other nations are hurting or have asked for our help. America has always given and continues to give to help others. That’s the American way!
Nine, because of our PROTECTION. We have the most phenomenal armed forces in the world. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard are the best trained, best equipped, best performing, most effective soldiers who have ever lived. They are courageous, yet compassionate. Fearless, yet fair. Tough, yet tenderhearted. You and I can sleep at night without fear because there are soldiers who don’t sleep, protecting our freedoms here at home and across the world. It’s no accident so many other nations have asked America to protect them as well — which we have done for free for many years, in many cases.
Ten, because of our PATRIOTISM. The vast majority of Americans are undeniable patriots who would give up everything they’ve got: their kids, their cash, everything they have, everything they care about, even their own lives, to defend our freedoms. Sure, there are a few who won’t stand with our troops abroad or here at home because of their own self-serving, self-preserving agendas. But the overwhelming majority of people here in this country love America. Very few can sing God Bless America or put their hand over their heart during the National Anthem without getting a lump in their throat, because we know our freedoms aren’t free. Someone paid a price for our privileges.
Eleven, because of our PROMISE. What country holds the promise America holds? What country has the ability to help so many and do so much? What country has the capability of leading the world morally, financially and spiritually? Even with all the challenges before us, America has the most promise of any nation on earth. But our promise depends upon God’s providential blessing.
The tallest monument in Washington, D.C. is The Washington Monument. There’s no building taller than that monument. From the top of that magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors can take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its’ division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant … a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., are displayed two words: “Laus Deo.” No one can see these words. They are only visible from above. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, facing skyward, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
“Laus Deo!” Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. But purposefully and very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is considered the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
Construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States. In 1888 the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took 25 years to finally cap the memorial with two words in Latin, composed of just four syllables and seven letters. What do they mean?
Very simply they say, “Praise be to God!”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 144:15).
Blessings,
Pastor David
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