Happy 4th!
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
12 of the 13 colonies (NY voted no) voted on July 2, 1776 to agree to independence. The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by others, was adopted by Congress on July 4 1776 but not officially signed till August 2. All the while the Revolutionary War was still being fought. The war didn't end until 1783, 7yrs later.
Despite John Adams wanting Independence Day celebrated on July 2, it became officially celebrated July 4. The Declaration of Independence used to be read in public on 4th of July. Our nation had a lot of problems back then and she was just starting. But her people prayed and trusted God.
While there are still a lot of problems today in our nation, I am grateful for these United States. I'm grateful she has survived, despite everything. I've done a fair amount of travel and been in places where the people have no rights, especially women. They cannot voice their religious or political opinion without fear of social and/or physical retribution. There is no police force they can call on and crime is rampant. It reminds you to be thankful for the liberties you have. Let's pray this 4th of July for our nation. Let's pray for those in government leadership in this country. Let's pray for our police, military, 1st responders. Let's pray that WE, God's people, would turn back to Him:
2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." This is a call to those of us who call on God as our master, who call ourselves Christians. It is not to the person who doesn't believe. God's looking for us to go back to Him and follow His Word. And when we return (a.k.a. repent) to Him, healing will come.