May this be the day that Americans across this land, “from sea to shining sea”, awaken to freedom, what it requires, and give thanks. Awaken us to Your goodness, Lord God, and teach us to appreciate Your kindness.
May this be the day we see You more fully in Your holiness and bend our knees to worship You in freedom, and in reverence, and in the light of day.
May we worship You more and more. May we recognize the truth that You are without partiality. You do not love Americans more than people all around the globe. You don’t like us better. You can’t love us more, and You can’t love us less. We are fully loved by our Creator, and all humans are created in Your image. What an honor!
“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Acts 10:34-35 NIV
No! May we simply recognize in our freedom of worship the amazing privilege we have here in America. More-so, may we recognize the high responsibility we have because we are free to worship and move about the globe.
May we remember in our freedom to assemble, freedom to open a Bible, and freedom to sing hymns out loud; that our brothers and sisters around the world continually bow in secret, memorize scriptures to hide in their hearts and minds, and whisper their songs under threat of being tortured, imprisoned or killed. Lord God, You are forbidden in their land, and yet will they praise Your holy name.
Thank You Creator, for the splendor of Your beautiful creations, made in Your image, all around this Earth. Surely, these precious ones who live under threat and oppression were chosen with higher honor to glorify You in a way I might not ever comprehend. One day we will share at Your table, and they will receive their reward, and we will all celebrate.
We will all receive our reward. And we will rejoice together as we exalt His Holy name for all of eternity.
I don’t understand why You gave me the great privilege of living free in America. But I recognize the responsibility You have given me to steward this freedom well. Father, God forgive me for the many ways I take freedom for granted. Forgive me for selfishness and shortsightedness.
Lord Jesus, please open my eyes to see what You see – as much as my fragile heart can bear. Please open my ears to hear what You hear – as much as my finite mind can comprehend. Teach me wisdom in the Secret Place of Your presence. Enlighten my faith and embolden my speech with Your love and honor.
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
1 Peter 1:13-19 NIV
In Your holy presence burn away the dross, the rust, the corrosion of my life in this world, and make me to shine as a beacon of hope for those who are searching for life, love and restoration – true freedom in You. Lord Jesus, give me wisdom to steward Your freedom well.
Thank You for the way You made me. Thank You for Your true identity in me as Your Holy Spirit resides in me. Thank You for choosing me. I’m ready to go on with You.
I love You, Jesus, because You loved me first. Thank You for loving me and never leaving me. Continue to mold and shape me into Your likeness. And make me useful to spread Your good news in this land that I love… from sea to shining sea… for Your glory.
Amen.
““You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
I pray, dear reader, you have prayed alongside me this prayer of gratitude, repentance and action. I pray, too, that you desire like me to know Jesus more fully, and you long for the resurrecting power of His Spirit to be given full reign in your life. I pray for our surrender under His Lordship.
Do you hear His call?
Are you ready?
Are you receiving His Shiney-ness in you?
Eyes on Jesus and Shine,
Lisa
America The Beautiful by Ray Charles
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