As we celebrate another July 4th, the words Irving Berlin wrote as a prayer for our nation come to mind:
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
Yes, God has been gracious – and not just to America. On this 233rd birthday, may America also bless God!
How do we bless God – as Americans and as citizens of earth?
By calling on His name in praise, thanks, petitions and requests; and not in curses or misuse of His name.
By praying for Presidents, Governors, Mayors, Kings, and all in authority.
By admitting we have done wrong in our lives and by claiming His freely given forgiveness, and sharing that same forgiveness with others.
By speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves – including the unborn.
By taking care of widows and orphans.
By recognizing He has freed us from the ultimate despot, the devil, and then living like it has made a difference in our lives.
By loving the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind – and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
By telling someone else “Jesus loves you, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”
Those are just some of the ways we as Christians and as Americans seeking to influence not only fellow Americans but the rest of the world can bless God. As you think of more ways to bless God, go ahead – don’t seek permission!
Be the blessing God has made you to be to the rest of the world!