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Our Anthem

 

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"and this be our motto, 
in God is our trust, "
~ "The Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key

 I wake up this morning, shake out my creaky bones, and sit on the patio with a cup of coffee wondering if I am going to catch a glance of the baby deer.  I open my Bible, listen to the birds and breathe in the fresh air.  Probably going to have a hot dog later - a cheese-filled hot dog (a glorious thing I just discovered).

There is no one to tell me when to get up, I don't have to hide my Bible, I don't hear any bombing in the distance.  My coffee is readily available, and I can leisurely sip it on my patio for as long as I want today.  It's Independence Day. 

 Thank you, patriots and their families.  Thank you for making this peaceful morning free of tyranny, bondage, fear and oppression.  Not all places in this world can say that.

So many have been inspired by the courage displayed by those who fought for the freedoms we each enjoy in our country.  It is so easy for us to forget the blessings and courage bestowed on us. 

 Look at some of the patriotic songs written.  An anthem is defined as 'a choral composition based on a biblical passage'.  So many of them were thanking God for what He has done for our country, in some of the lesser known stanzas.


 "Mend thy every flaw" (~America the Beautiful)

 - we all have sinned and have flaws-

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Rom 3:23

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth of God is not in us." Jn 1:8

"Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins." Ecc 7:20

 "Blessed with vict'ry and peace, the heav'n rescued land, praise the power that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!" (~The Star Spangled Banner)

- all good things our country has enjoyed comes from God.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

"For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through Him or for Him." Col 1:16

 "Our fathers' God, to Thee, author of liberty, to Thee we sing; long may our land be bright, with freedom's holy light; protect us by Thy might, great God, our King." (~My Country 'Tis of Thee)

- know The One who gives us true freedom.

"If the Son sets us free, you are free indeed." Jn 8:36

So enjoy today with a grateful heart for those men and women God emboldened to fight for our freedoms.  Thank the source of Love and Goodness, because He loves you more than you can even imagine. 

And eat a hot dog (or 83, as Joey Chestnut has).  

✙ Heavenly Father, we wake up this morning enjoying the free world around us, and remembering those who can't.  We thank you for the goodness and grace You continue to show our country, and ask you to mend our flaws - both personally and as a nation.  Guide our leaders to listen to and follow You, help us to be grateful and act on that.  Amen.

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