Happy Birthday, America

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.

In a few days we will celebrate our nation’s 248th birthday. As we do, I want to 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 some who want to burn our flag and 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 and reap the rewards of the sacrifices of others and then, take shots at this great country.

This Independence Day gives every American a golden opportunity to once again declare our love for God and our love for this great country. There are many reasons why I love this great country called America. Here are just a few.

One, because of our PAST. Fifty-three of the fifty-six 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 the Scriptures. 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, Bubba Watson, Sam Walton, Truett Cathy, Bill and Gloria Gaither, David Green and many more.

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 many more. This country is definitely America, the beautiful.

Five, 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! In the beginning, those first few patriots who made up our country didn’t give up and now, over 248 years later, our nation is still full of passionate patriots who won’t give up either!

Six, 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!

Seven, because of our PROTECTION. We have the greatest armed forces in the world. 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 and continue to do.

Eight, because of our PATRIOTISM. The vast majority of Americans are undeniable patriots who would give everything they’ve got: their kids, their cash, everything they have, everything they care about, even their own lives, to defend our freedoms. 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 didn’t come for free. Someone paid a price for our privileges.

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, perched atop the monument 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 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 twenty-five 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

No Comments