1. PATRIOTS: INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 4, 1776 is remembered today in the United States of America because of the TRUE PATRIOTS who originally made it possible. The USA remains today because there were TRUE PATRIOTS over the years who sacrificed everything so this country could continue to have the freedoms and privileges we now enjoy.
Nothing comes easy in life. It usually requires a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Thus it requires inconvenience, suffering and sacrifice. Eternal life for us, cost Jesus Christ His life! And the things of this life will also cost us. But in the end it can be well worth it. What are some of the costs that have been paid for us to enjoy the freedoms and privileges we have in the USA?
According to Business Insider, Privates in 1776 earned $6.00 per month plus a bounty at the end of their service. That pay would equate to $157.58 today, a pretty cheap deal for the poor Continental Congress. Unfortunately for soldiers, Congress couldn’t always make ends meet and so troops often went without their meager pay. Furthermore, according to America Goes to War: A Social History of the Continental Army, their salaries were subject to deductions to replace their uniforms, weapons and equipment.
2. FOUNDING FATHERS: And what about the “founding fathers” of the USA? Mike Rowe describes the scenario well in his Independence Day article, “Our revolution started because fifty-six wealthy men with everything to lose – put everything on the line – for a country that didn’t even exist yet…… These 56 men – these one-percenters of 1776 – could have easily paid whatever new tax was being demanded by their King. They could have easily lived out their lives in comfortable peace. But they didn’t. They chose liberty over safety.
When they signed that troublesome manifesto, they weren’t just declaring their independence – they were signing their own death warrant. And when they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, they weren’t just making a promise to The King of England, or to each other, or to the rest of their fellow colonists – They were making a promise to you and me. And they kept it.
3. BACKGROUND HISTORY: Before the United States, no other country allowed its citizens to challenge and change the government. To attempt to do so was to sign one’s death warrant. A good many of our founders did indeed lose all that was sacred and dear to them including families, fortunes, and lives, because they signed the Declaration. But to them, it was still worth it.
They set the example for their descendants, including us. With the Revolutionary War won, they and others kept vigil for our freedoms. None gave up one jot, not one tittle lest they risk becoming puppets of a malevolent ruler once more. Many Americans willingly lost their lives and continue to do so in the pursuit of freedom for all. It’s not a perfect society yet, and, likely won’t be until God makes it so.”
4. AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE: Personally, I thank God for these true patriots who were wiling to make the necessary sacrifices to establish, protect and preserve this great nation. And I pray that the Lord God Almighty would raise up many more true patriots to protect and serve the United States of America. We are blessed with some, but we need a whole lot more! Let us all maintain an attitude of gratitude for this great country. This is not Heaven, nor shall it ever be, but it is certainly one of the best countries on Earth. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
Thank God for INDEPENDENCE DAY July 4, 1776! Thank God for all the true patriots who have helped preserve our independence. Truly we have been blessed like no other country. PRAY THAT GOD WOULD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE USA! And PRAY that many more TRUE PATRIOTS would come forth to preserve and protect the USA. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers" (Luke 10:2 NKJV) Although Jesus was referring to laborers for the spiritual harvest the principle remains the same. When there is a need for laborers–true patriots–we should pray that God would provide.
5. PRAYER FOR AMERICA: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV) Thank God for the United States of America with all of its freedoms, privileges and prosperity. Pray for the people of America and for the leaders in authority that they would all obey and uphold the laws of this country. God bless the USA!
Copyright©2019 Dr. Lewis Gregory
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